Hey, this is Heather from the Renaissance English History Podcast, and this is your Tudor Minute for May 25.
Today in 1521 the Diet of Worms, which had been convened by the Holy Roman Emperor to rule on the religious stirrings that Martin Luther had caused by his 95 Theses four years earlier ended, and Charles V declared him an outlaw with the Edict of Worms. The Edict read: For this reason we forbid anyone from this time forward to dare, either by words or by deeds, to receive, defend, sustain, or favour the said Martin Luther. On the contrary, we want him to be apprehended and punished as a notorious heretic, as he deserves, to be brought personally before us, or to be securely guarded until those who have captured him inform us, whereupon we will order the appropriate manner of proceeding against the said Luther. Those who will help in his capture will be rewarded generously for their good work.
To protect him from this fate, Prince Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, seized him on his way home and hid him in Wartburg Castle. It was during his time in Wartburg that Luther began his German translation of the Bible.
That’s your Tudor Minute for today. Remember you can dive deeper into life in 16th century England through the Renaissance English History Podcast at englandcast.com.
Links: