Bernhard Knipperdolling facts for kids
Bernhard Knipperdolling (born around 1495 – died January 22, 1536) was an important leader of a religious group called the Anabaptists in the German city of Münster. He was also known by other names like Bernd Knipperdollinck.
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Early Life and Rise to Power
Bernhard Knipperdolling was born in Münster in the early 1500s. His father was a rich cloth merchant. Not much is known about Knipperdolling's early years.
He first became well-known as a leader of a guild (a group of skilled workers or merchants) in the city council. Knipperdolling was a strong supporter of the Protestant faith. In 1528, he even took legal action against the Catholic city council and the Bishop of Münster. Because he led a guild, he had a lot of support from other merchants and workers.
In January 1534, some Anabaptist preachers arrived in Münster. They said a new prophet was coming. Soon after, a baker named Jan Matthys arrived, claiming to be this prophet. Knipperdolling quickly became a very strong follower of Matthys.
Knipperdolling's Beliefs
Bernhard Knipperdolling believed in some new ideas for his time. He thought that good people would rule the Earth before a final judgment. He also believed that babies should not be baptized. Instead, he thought only adults should be baptized by being fully dipped in water.
He also believed that everyone had the right to preach and lead religious ceremonies. Knipperdolling felt that people did not have to obey rulers if those rulers were not following God's will. He also thought that everyone should share their belongings.
The Münster Anabaptist Movement
On February 10, 1534, Knipperdolling joined Jan Matthys and Jan Bockelson to take control of the city council. He helped gather the Anabaptists to challenge the existing leaders. Knipperdolling was very excited and energetic in his support.
He won the city elections on February 24, 1534, and became the Lord Mayor of Münster. This was a very important moment for the Anabaptist movement. Knipperdolling's house became the main meeting place for the Anabaptists. The first adult baptisms in the city happened there.
When Jan Matthys wanted to execute all citizens who were not Anabaptists, Knipperdolling convinced him to give people a week to get baptized or leave the city. This helped prevent other countries from getting involved and kept the city more stable.
Knipperdolling also helped organize the city's defenses against the Bishop's army. He was also put in charge of executions and managing city property. Some of Matthys's ideas, like getting rid of guilds and taking private property, were not good for Knipperdolling's own interests.
After Matthys died on April 4, 1534, Knipperdolling supported Jan Bockelson as the new leader. Bockelson was crowned king. However, Knipperdolling soon started to claim he was more important than Bockelson. He said that while Jan was the "king of the flesh," he, Knipperdolling, was meant to be the "spiritual king." This led to him being put in prison for a short time in 1535.
After his release, Knipperdolling was named Stadholder (like a vice-king or governor) and executioner. His daughter Clara was married to Jan Bockelson after the Anabaptists allowed men to have more than one wife.
In 1535, Knipperdolling lost some of his power again when Heinrich Krechting became the king's main helper.
Capture and Execution
On June 24–25, 1535, the Bishop's army, with help from a former Anabaptist named Henry Gresbeck, took back Münster. Knipperdolling, Bockelson, and Bernhard Krechting were captured and questioned.
On January 22, 1536, Knipperdolling, Krechting, and Bockelson were publicly tortured and executed in Münster. Their bodies were placed in metal baskets and hung from the Lambertuskirche (St. Lambert's Church). This church had been a key place for the Anabaptist movement.
Why Knipperdolling Was Important
As a leader of the Münster Anabaptists, Knipperdolling was a key person who helped the movement grow. He was like a "stirrup-holder," meaning he helped make things happen. He represented the local people of Münster who joined the revolution. His story shows how they adapted to being under siege and to the rule of the Dutch Anabaptist leaders.
The word "knipperdolling" was once used to describe an Anabaptist in a negative way. Today, it can sometimes mean a person who is a very strong religious fanatic.
Images for kids
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Bernt Knipperdolling, from an old engraving.
