While there, he became a pupil of Robert Parsons,[2] and he completed his studies with him at Balliol College, which, along with his association with Richard Holtby, led to his conversion.

It was during this confinement that Briant penned his letter to the Jesuit Fathers in England requesting admission into the Society, which was granted.

He was arraigned with six other priests on 16 November 1581, in Queen's Bench, Westminster, on the charge of high treason, and condemned to death.

In his letter to the Jesuit Fathers, he says that he felt no pain during the various tortures he underwent, and adds: "Whether this that I say be miraculous or no, God knoweth."

[7] Alexander Briant was canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales with a common feast day of 25 October.