Career
He was beatified in 1987. He was probably related to the family of Pormort of Great Grimsby and Saltfletby, Lincolnshire. After receiving some education at Cambridge, he went to Reims, 15 January 1581, and from there, 20 March following, to Rome, where he was ordained priest in 1587.
He entered the household of Owen Lewis, Bishop of Cassano, 6 March 1587.
On 25 April 1590, Pormort became prefect of studies in the Swiss college at Milan. He was relieved of this office, and started for England, 15 September, without waiting for his faculties.
Crossing the Saint Gotthard Pass, he reached Brussels before 29 November. With her he went to Antwerp, intending to proceed to Flushing, and thence to England.
He was arrested in London on Saint James"s Day (25 July), 1591, but he managed to escape.
In August or September, 1591, he was again taken, and committed to Bridewell, whence he was removed to Topcliffe"s house. He was repeatedly racked and sustained a rupture in consequence. He pleaded that he had no faculties.
But he was found guilty.
At the bar he accused Topcliffe of having boasted to him of indecent familiarities with the Queen. The gibbet was erected over against the haberdasher"s shop, and Portmore was kept standing two hours on the ladder, while Topcliffe vainly urged him to withdraw his accusation.
