Peter Payne facts for kids
Peter Payne (around 1380 – about 1455) was an English theologian (someone who studies religion), a diplomat (a person who represents their country), and a leader in two important religious reform movements: the Lollards and the Taborites. He was born in Hough-on-the-Hill, near Grantham, England. His father was French, and his mother was English.
Early Life and Education
Peter Payne studied at Oxford University in England. While there, he became interested in the ideas of the Lollards. This group believed the Church needed big changes. He earned a master's degree before 1406.
In 1406, Peter Payne helped send a letter from Oxford University. This letter showed support for religious reformers in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). From 1410 to 1414, he was the head of St Edmund Hall, a college at Oxford. During this time, he often debated with Thomas Netter, a Catholic scholar who defended traditional Church teachings.
Moving to Bohemia
In 1414, Peter Payne had to leave Oxford because of his strong beliefs. He taught for a short time in London. Eventually, he had to leave England completely. He found safety in Bohemia, where he was welcomed by the University of Prague in 1417. He quickly became a leader among the Bohemian reformers.
He joined a group called the "Orphans." This group was part of the wider Hussite movement, which sought to reform the Church. Peter Payne played a big part in many important discussions and meetings from 1420 to 1430.
Role in the Hussite Wars
When the Bohemians decided to send representatives to the Council of Basel in Switzerland, Peter Payne was chosen as one of their delegates. He arrived in Basel in January 1433. He held very strong opinions and spoke his mind, which sometimes made it hard to reach agreements.
The Bohemian delegates left Basel in April. Back home, there were disagreements among the reformers. The "Orphans" and "Taborites" (another reform group) challenged the nobles who wanted to make peace. This led to a war. The nobles won the Battle of Lipany in May 1434. At first, it was thought that Peter Payne had died in the battle.
After the battle, most of the "Orphans" joined a more moderate group. But Peter Payne chose to stay with the more extreme Taborites.
Later Life and Legacy
Even though he was with the extreme Taborites, Peter Payne was highly respected. He was often asked to help settle arguments about religious beliefs among the reformers.
In 1437, Pope Eugene IV wanted Peter Payne to be tried for heresy (beliefs against Church teachings) at Basel. Payne had to leave his church in Žatec and found refuge with Petr Chelčický, a famous Bohemian writer. Two years later, he was captured and put in prison. However, his Taborite friends quickly paid to free him.
Peter Payne continued to be involved in important meetings among the Bohemian groups in 1443–1444 and again in 1452. He passed away in Prague in 1455.
He was known as a very smart and persuasive debater. He remained a loyal follower of John Wycliffe's teachings throughout his life. Peter Payne was also known by other names, such as Clerk in Oxford, Peter English in Bohemia, Freyng (because of his French father), and Hough (from his birthplace).
