The life of a 16th-century English Catholic martyr. Nicknamed the 'Pearl of York', she chose to be executed to protect Catholic priests during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who outlawed the harsh practices of Catholicism. Raised a Protestant, Margaret Clitherow converted to Catholicism after marrying John Clitherow. She was so steadfast in her faith that she was willing to risk her life. Amidst intense persecution, she turned her home into a refuge for persecuted Catholic priests. She provided facilities and held secret Masses for the local faithful. Her actions became known to the royal authorities. To protect her family and friends from being implicated, Margaret refused to plead guilty at her trial. As a result, she was sentenced to a brutal death in March 1586. This book provides a powerful and insightful historical account of a laywoman's courageous defense of her faith.