ON THIS DAY - 06 October 1536

On This Day (06 Oct) 1536, the execution of English Reformist Scholar and Translator William Tyndale at Vilvoorde, near Brussels, is commemorated.

'Called William Tyndale'; Unknown Artist, 17thc. © National Portrait Gallery, London

Tyndale began his English translations of the Bible from Hebrew and Greek c.1522, being influenced by Martin Luther's earlier translations in German. His work included the New Testament and the historical books of the Old Testament, which were subsequently published between 1525-1534. They were subsequently condemned and banned in England'; however, copies continued to make their way from Europe, where translated works were not illegal.

From William Tyndale's Translation of the New Testament, pub. 1526, Worms © British Library

In 1543, English Parliament passed 'The Act for the Advancement of true Religion', which attempted to control and reduce the possession of these translations. Restrictions were placed on the reading of the Bible: only clergy were permitted to read aloud and in public  'authorised' copies, with possession and private readings only permitted by members of the clergy, nobility, gentry and upper classes. Reformist preacher Anne Askew defied this new Act, being in possession of Tyndale's translations and reading from the Bible in public.

'Anne Askew Preaching the Lutheran Doctrine' by German School © Public Domain

In 1528, Tyndale published 'The Obedience of a Christian Man', which included the advocation for the right of the head of state to also be the head of the church. This work reportedly influenced Henry VIII with his 'break' from Rome, and the passing of the 'Act of Supremacy', placing himself at the head of the newly formed Church of England, in place of the Pope.

Despite this, Tyndale published further works which condemned the actions of the king regarding the dissolution of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, arguing that it was against Scripture; it was this open defiance that led to Tyndale's arrest and subsequent conviction of 'Lutheran heresy', which included accusations of insurrection against Henry and England.

'The Martyrdom and burning of Master William Tindall in Flanders, by Filford Castle'. From: Foxe's Book of Martyrs, 16thc © The British Museum

Tyndale had been arrested in 1535, and held at Vilvoorde (Filford) Castle for 18 months prior to his death. On the morning of his execution, he was escorted from the castle, into the town, where a pyre had been erected. Whilst tied to a stake, Tyndale was strangled to death (reflecting his status as a scholar), and his body then burnt - the fate of those convicted of heresy.

Tyndale was commemorated by John Foxe in his 1563 publication 'Actes and Monuments of these Latter and Perillous Days, Touching Matters of the Church', also known as 'Foxe's Book of Martyrs'. It was Foxe that first commemorated his death on 06 Oct, although it has been documented that it took place "in the early days of October". Foxe also alleged that Tyndale's last words were “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes".