Richard Thirkeld was an English Catholic priest born in Coniscliffe, Durham, who served during the English mission. After studying at Queen's College, Oxford, he was ordained in Reims in 1579. He worked near York and provided spiritual guidance to Margaret Clitheroe. His ministry ended when he was arrested in 1583 while visiting a prisoner at the Kidcote on Ouse bridge. He was accused of reconciling subjects to the Roman Catholic Church, leading to his eventual execution in York.