Barbara Babthorpe
Barbara Babthorpe (1592 - 1654)
The Babthorpes were one of the oldest recusant families in Yorkshire and it was while staying with them in 1600 that Mary Ward felt the calling to religious life. In 1609 Barbara Babthorpe joined Mary Ward and the small band of women who had come together as Mary's companions at St Omer, in France. She was named by Mary Ward as her successor as Chief Superior in 1645. Barbara Babthorpe died in Rome in April 1654 and was buried at the English College.