Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Anabaptists

A monastery was founded here by some Everward and his wife Geva around 854 as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the saxonian nobility. Everhard and his wife Geva are only known from a legend, that was written down in the 15th century - and is very similar to many "foundation legends" of monasteries. There are parallels to the abbey in Gandersheim, - only a few years younger - and as well a secular house for noble unmarried ladies. Historian Dr. Wilhelm Kohl published some details in 1979, that connect Freckenhorst to the south of France! In 860 relics of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii" were given to the new monastery by bishop Luidberts of Muenster. Aenius was archbishop of Arles 492-502, Antonius was bishop of Carpentras 463-473. Maximus was bishop in Riez and later abbot in Lerins and a bishop named Bonifatius is known in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux within the 5th century. How did they all together travel to Freckenhorst? According to Dr. Kohl, Charles the Bald, Louis the German and Lothair I met in Koblenz in 860. Lothair and his entourage were just returning from Burgundy, that stretched far south in the 9th century. As the of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii". Danes/Normans were threating to loot every abbey, town and village in southern France (what they actually did), the most valuable treasures (the relics) were transferred north - and so ended in that young monastery in Freckenhorst. - The abbey existed upto 1812, and during centuries had a very colourful history. In 1473 all members of the convent got excommunicated due to a lawsuit. After Luther´s reformation the canonesses favoured to be "Lutherians" in future, so that some Anabaptists of the Muenster rebellion could find a secret asylum here, until bishop Franz of Waldeck found out, three years after the rebellion had ended in nearby Muenster. Catholicism returned finally to Freckenhorst during the 17th century. In 1116 the collegiate, the church and the village burnt down - and a new church was constructed after that. This is the church seen here. It got consecrated in june 1129 by Egbert, bishop in Muenster, a relative of and advisor to Lothair III. Standing within the 13th century-cloister. The church is constructed in the basilica style. Here to be seen is the transept and the two towers on the sides of the rectangular choir, that originally was semicircular. - More details can be found in: Kirche und Stift Freckenhorst, Jubilaeumsschrift zur 850. Wiederkehr des Weihetages der Stiftskirche am 04. Juni 1979, Warendorf 1979

A monastery was founded here by some Everward and his wife Geva around 854 as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the saxonian nobility. Everhard and his wife Geva are only known from a legend, that was written down in the 15th century - and is very similar to many "foundation legends" of monasteries. There are parallels to the abbey in Gandersheim, - only a few years younger - and as well a secular house for noble unmarried ladies. Historian Dr. Wilhelm Kohl published some details in 1979, that connect Freckenhorst to the south of France! In 860 relics of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii" were given to the new monastery by bishop Luidberts of Muenster. Aenius was archbishop of Arles 492-502, Antonius was bishop of Carpentras 463-473. Maximus was bishop in Riez and later abbot in Lerins and a bishop named Bonifatius is known in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux within the 5th century. How did they all together travel to Freckenhorst? According to Dr. Kohl, Charles the Bald, Louis the German and Lothair I met in Koblenz in 860. Lothair and his entourage were just returning from Burgundy, that stretched far south in the 9th century. As the of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii". Danes/Normans were threating to loot every abbey, town and village in southern France (what they actually did), the most valuable treasures (the relics) were transferred north - and so ended in that young monastery in Freckenhorst. The abbey existed upto 1812, and during centuries had a very colourful history. In 1473 all members of the convent got excommunicated due to a lawsuit. After Luther´s reformation the canonesses favoured to be "Lutherians" in future, so that some Anabaptists of the Muenster rebellion could find a secret asylum here, until bishop Franz of Waldeck found out, three years after the rebellion had ended in nearby Muenster. Catholicism returned finally to Freckenhorst during the 17th century. In 1116 the collegiate and the church burnt down, parts of the old westwork survived and got used in the construction of the new church, some parts of the westwork are belong to the older church. This is the new church, that got consecrated in June 1129 by Egbert, bishop in Muenster, a relative of and advisor to Lothair III. The westwork once had a narthex, that was demolished within the 19th century. Traces of the narhex can still be seen. The two round towers were the highest parts, when it was constructed, as the top of the middle part is younger. Most of the northern tower (left) is a reconstruction from 1859/60. Many more details can be found in: Kirche und Stift Freckenhorst, Jubilaeumsschrift zur 850. Wiederkehr des Weihetages der Stiftskirche am 04. Juni 1979, Warendorf 1979

A monastery was founded here by some Everward and his wife Geva around 854 as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the saxonian nobility. There are parallels to the abbey in Gandersheim, - only a few years younger - and as well a secular house for noble unmarried ladies. The abbey existed upto 1812, and during centuries had a very colourful history. After Luther´s reformation the canonesses favoured to be "Lutherians" in future, so that some Anabaptists of the Muenster rebellion could find a secret asylum here for some years. Catholicism returned finally to Freckenhorst during the 17th century. In 1116 the collegiate and the church burnt down. A new church was built. This new church got consecrated in 1129 by Egbert, bishop in Muenster, a relative of and advisor to Lothair III. - The most valuable jewel within this great romanesque collegiate church is this baptismal font. Quoting late Georg Dehio, one of the great german art-historians, this is "the most important baptismal of the 12th century" in Germany, "a goldwork in stone". Over a "greek" base, two carved bands going all around. Inbetween is written: + ANNO AB INCARNAT(IONE) D(OMINI) M C XX VIIII EPACT (IS) XXVIII CONCURR(ENTIBUS) I P(OST) B(ISSEXTILEM) INDICT(IONE) VII II NON(AS) IBN(II) A VENERAB(ILI) EP(ISCOP)O MIMIGARDEVORDENSI EGBERTO ORTDINAT(IONIS) SUE ANNO II CONSECRATU(M) E(ST) HOC TEMPLUM In the year 1129 after the incarnation of the Lord, 28. Epakten, 1. Concurrenten, after a leap year, 7. Indiktion, on the 2. nones of june, the adorable bishop of Muenster Egbert in his second year of ordination this church was consecrated The inscription gives us the exact date of the consecration - 04. June 1129 - Epakten, Concurrenten and Indikations were all used in medieval calenders, Mimigardevordensi is a very old name for Muenster. Sorry for the bad quality of the photos. To take them on a afternoon in winter was not a really good idea, but I could not wait for better light in spring. - More interesting details can be found in: Kirche und Stift Freckenhorst, Jubilaeumsschrift zur 850. Wiederkehr des Weihetages der Stiftskirche am 04. Juni 1979, Warendorf 1979

A monastery was founded here by some Everward and his wife Geva around 854 as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the saxonian nobility. Everhard and Geva are known from a legend, written down in the 15th century - and similar to many "foundation legends" of monasteries. There are parallels to the abbey in Gandersheim, - only a few years younger - and as well a secular house for noble unmarried ladies. Historian Dr. Wilhelm Kohl published some details in 1979, that connect Freckenhorst to the south of France! In 860 relics of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii" were given to the new monastery by bishop Luidberts of Muenster. Aenius was archbishop of Arles 492-502, Antonius was bishop of Carpentras 463-473. Maximus was bishop in Riez and later abbot in Lerins and a bishop named Bonifatius is known in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux within the 5th century. How did they all together travel to Freckenhorst? According to Dr. Kohl, Charles the Bald, Louis the German and Lothair I met in Koblenz in 860. Lothair and his entourage were just returning from Burgundy, that stretched far south in the 9th century. As the of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii". Danes/Normans were threating to loot every abbey, town and village in southern France (what they actually did), the most valuable treasures (the relics) were transferred north - and so ended in that young monastery in Freckenhorst. - The abbey existed upto 1812, and during centuries had a very colourful history. In 1473 all members of the convent got excommunicated due to a lawsuit. After Luther´s reformation the canonesses favoured to be "Lutherians" in future, so that some Anabaptists of the Muenster rebellion could find a secret asylum here, until bishop Franz of Waldeck found out, three years after the rebellion had ended in nearby Muenster. Catholicism returned finally to Freckenhorst during the 17th century. In 1116 the collegiate and the church burnt down. Parts of the westwork survived the fire and got integrated into the new church (seen here). Thisgot consecrated in 1129 by Egbert, bishop in Muenster, a relative of and advisor to Lothair III. Facing east now and looking into the choir. The choir by now is rectangular, but originally it was shorter and semicircular. To the left and to the right two stairs lead up to the choir-level. Below this level is the crypt More details can be found in: Kirche und Stift Freckenhorst, Jubilaeumsschrift zur 850. Wiederkehr des Weihetages der Stiftskirche am 04. Juni 1979, Warendorf 1979

A monastery was founded here by some Everward and his wife Geva around 854 as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the saxonian nobility. There are parallels to the abbey in Gandersheim, - only a few years younger - and as well a secular house for noble unmarried ladies. The abbey existed upto 1812, and during centuries had a very colourful history. After Luther´s reformation the canonesses favoured to be "Lutherians" in future, so that some Anabaptists of the Muenster rebellion could find a secret asylum here for some years. Catholicism returned finally to Freckenhorst during the 17th century. In 1116 the collegiate and the church burnt down. A new church was built. This new church got consecrated in 1129 by Egbert, bishop in Muenster, a relative of and advisor to Lothair III. - The most valuable jewel within this great romanesque collegiate church is this baptismal font. Quoting late Georg Dehio, one of the great german art-historians, this is "the most important baptismal of the 12th century" in Germany, "a goldwork in stone". Over a "greek" base, two carved bands going all around. Inbetween is written: + ANNO AB INCARNAT(IONE) D(OMINI) M C XX VIIII EPACT (IS) XXVIII CONCURR(ENTIBUS) I P(OST) B(ISSEXTILEM) INDICT(IONE) VII II NON(AS) IBN(II) A VENERAB(ILI) EP(ISCOP)O MIMIGARDEVORDENSI EGBERTO ORTDINAT(IONIS) SUE ANNO II CONSECRATU(M) E(ST) HOC TEMPLUM In the year 1129 after the incarnation of the Lord, 28. Epakten, 1. Concurrenten, after a leap year, 7. Indiktion, on the 2. nones of june, the adorable bishop of Muenster Egbert in his second year of ordination this church was consecrated The inscription gives us the exact date of the consecration - 04. June 1129 - Epakten, Concurrenten and Indikations were all used in medieval calenders, Mimigardevordensi is a very old name for Muenster. Sorry for the bad quality of the photos. To take them on a afternoon in winter was not a really good idea, but I could not wait for better light in spring. - More interesting details can be found in: Kirche und Stift Freckenhorst, Jubilaeumsschrift zur 850. Wiederkehr des Weihetages der Stiftskirche am 04. Juni 1979, Warendorf 1979

A monastery was founded here by some Everward and his wife Geva around 854 as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the saxonian nobility. Everhard and his wife Geva are only known from a legend, that was written down in the 15th century - and is very similar to many "foundation legends" of monasteries. There are parallels to the abbey in Gandersheim, - only a few years younger - and as well a secular house for noble unmarried ladies. Historian Dr. Wilhelm Kohl published some details in 1979, that connect Freckenhorst to the south of France! In 860 relics of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii" were given to the new monastery by bishop Luidberts of Muenster. Aenius was archbishop of Arles 492-502, Antonius was bishop of Carpentras 463-473. Maximus was bishop in Riez and later abbot in Lerins and a bishop named Bonifatius is known in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux within the 5th century. How did they all together travel to Freckenhorst? According to Dr. Kohl, Charles the Bald, Louis the German and Lothair I met in Koblenz in 860. Lothair and his entourage were just returning from Burgundy, that stretched far south in the 9th century. As the of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii". Danes/Normans were threating to loot every abbey, town and village in southern France (what they actually did), the most valuable treasures (the relics) were transferred north - and so ended in that young monastery in Freckenhorst. - The abbey existed upto 1812, and during centuries had a very colourful history. In 1473 all members of the convent got excommunicated due to a lawsuit. After Luther´s reformation the canonesses favoured to be "Lutherians" in future, so that some Anabaptists of the Muenster rebellion could find a secret asylum here, until bishop Franz of Waldeck found out, three years after the rebellion had ended in nearby Muenster. Catholicism returned finally to Freckenhorst during the 17th century. In 1116 the collegiate and the church burnt down. Parts of the westwork survived the fire and got integrated into the new church (seen here). This got consecrated in 1129 by Egbert, bishop in Muenster, a relative of and advisor to Lothair III. Standing in the crossing facing the westwork. The nave of the basilica and the two smaller aisles are to be seen. The nave never had a flat wooden ceiling, like nearly all churches of that time. It was vaulted around 1120/1125, what is very early. The cathedral in Speyer was first church in Germany having a vaulted nave - around 1100. The barrel vaulted nave in Tournus (Burgundy) dates back to 1070. The vaulting here was remodeled later and now has a gothic "touch". Please note the arches in the westwork. It was very common, to have a special chapel up there for the high nobility. More details can be found in: Kirche und Stift Freckenhorst, Jubilaeumsschrift zur 850. Wiederkehr des Weihetages der Stiftskirche am 04. Juni 1979, Warendorf 1979

A monastery was founded here by some Everward and his wife Geva around 854 as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the saxonian nobility. Everhard and his wife Geva are only known from a legend, that was written down in the 15th century - and is very similar to many "foundation legends" of monasteries. There are parallels to the abbey in Gandersheim, - only a few years younger - and as well a secular house for noble unmarried ladies. Historian Dr. Wilhelm Kohl published some details in 1979, that connect Freckenhorst to the south of France! In 860 relics of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii" were given to the new monastery by bishop Luidberts of Muenster. Aenius was archbishop of Arles 492-502, Antonius was bishop of Carpentras 463-473. Maximus was bishop in Riez and later abbot in Lerins and a bishop named Bonifatius is known in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux within the 5th century. How did they all together travel to Freckenhorst? According to Dr. Kohl, Charles the Bald, Louis the German and Lothair I met in Koblenz in 860. Lothair and his entourage were just returning from Burgundy, that stretched far south in the 9th century. As the of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii". Danes/Normans were threating to loot every abbey, town and village in southern France (what they actually did), the most valuable treasures (the relics) were transferred north - and so ended in that young monastery in Freckenhorst. - The abbey existed upto 1812, and during centuries had a very colourful history. In 1473 all members of the convent got excommunicated due to a lawsuit. After Luther´s reformation the canonesses favoured to be "Lutherians" in future, so that some Anabaptists of the Muenster rebellion could find a secret asylum here, until bishop Franz of Waldeck found out, three years after the rebellion had ended in nearby Muenster. Catholicism returned finally to Freckenhorst during the 17th century. In 1116 the collegiate, the church and the village burnt down - and a new church was constructed after that. This is the church seen here. It got consecrated in june 1129 by Egbert, bishop in Muenster, a relative of and advisor to Lothair III. Standing within the 13th century-cloister. The church is constructed in the basilica style. The westwork has lots of windows. Actually still today St. Bonifatius is known for its 12 bells. The oldest bell dates back to 1484. - More details can be found in: Kirche und Stift Freckenhorst, Jubilaeumsschrift zur 850. Wiederkehr des Weihetages der Stiftskirche am 04. Juni 1979, Warendorf 1979

A monastery was founded here by some Everward and his wife Geva around 854 as a house of secular canonesses, unmarried daughters of the saxonian nobility. Everhard and his wife Geva are only known from a legend, that was written down in the 15th century - and is very similar to many "foundation legends" of monasteries. There are parallels to the abbey in Gandersheim, - only a few years younger - and as well a secular house for noble unmarried ladies. Historian Dr. Wilhelm Kohl published some details in 1979, that connect Freckenhorst to the south of France! In 860 relics of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii" were given to the new monastery by bishop Luidberts of Muenster. Aenius was archbishop of Arles 492-502, Antonius was bishop of Carpentras 463-473. Maximus was bishop in Riez and later abbot in Lerins and a bishop named Bonifatius is known in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux within the 5th century. How did they all together travel to Freckenhorst? According to Dr. Kohl, Charles the Bald, Louis the German and Lothair I met in Koblenz in 860. Lothair and his entourage were just returning from Burgundy, that stretched far south in the 9th century. As the of "Bonifacii et Maximii" and "Eonii atque Antonii". Danes/Normans were threating to loot every abbey, town and village in southern France (what they actually did), the most valuable treasures (the relics) were transferred north - and so ended in that young monastery in Freckenhorst. - The abbey existed upto 1812, and during centuries had a very colourful history. In 1473 all members of the convent got excommunicated due to a lawsuit. After Luther´s reformation the canonesses favoured to be "Lutherians" in future, so that some Anabaptists of the Muenster rebellion could find a secret asylum here, until bishop Franz of Waldeck found out, three years after the rebellion had ended in nearby Muenster. Catholicism returned finally to Freckenhorst during the 17th century. In 1116 the collegiate and the church burnt down. Parts of the westwork survived the fire and got integrated into the new church (seen here). Thisgot consecrated in 1129 by Egbert, bishop in Muenster, a relative of and advisor to Lothair III. The knowledge about the crypt under the choir got lost over the century. The crypt got "discovered" in 1850 during a visit of the bishop. At that time it was in a very bad state, filled with waste and rubble. The hall-crypt (six bays) stretches completely under the choir, and as the choir got enlarged, the crypt got larger too. The building joints between "older" and "newer" are visible, even in a different style. Only a few pillars and capitals have survived the centuries, most pillars had to be replaced. The style of the capitals is nearly identical to capitals used in St. Patrokli in Soest, 50 kms south, and the sandstone used can still be sourced in the village of Anroechte, 20 kms east of Soest. More details can be found in: Kirche und Stift Freckenhorst, Jubilaeumsschrift zur 850. Wiederkehr des Weihetages der Stiftskirche am 04. Juni 1979, Warendorf 1979

Muenster, the cultural centre of Westphalia, is a city with a population of more than 250.000 of which nearly 50.000 are students at the University of Muenster. This surely helped Muenster to gain the status of the "bicycle capital of Germany". - - Prophet Jan Matthys had the vision, that Jesus would come personally to Muenster on Easter 1534, and convinced of his invulnerability, he left the besieged city with a small group, to welcome the Lord. Only minutes later, the prophet´s head stuck on a long pole and was shown to the city by the besiegers. Strange enough the Anabaptists did believe, that Jan Matthys would resurrect after three days, what did not happen. Now Jan of Leiden started the "Regiment of the 12 Apostles", what added fierce terror to the immense hunger in the besieged city. There are details within the Muenster Rebellion, that are difficult to understand nowadays, as visions and delusions seem to be important and frequent. It may be, that these delusions actually could be caused by ergotism, a poisening through a fungus in rye, better known as "Saint Anthony's Fire". But that is just a theory. Fact is, that the troops of the bishop conquered the town in June 1535. Seven months later the most prominent Anabaptists Jan van Leiden, Bernhard Knipperdolling and Bernhard Krechting are sentenced to death by torture. It is written, that the flesh was teared off their bones with red-hot tongs. What was left of the bodies after that was put into iron cages - the cages were placed on the steeple St. Lamberti. Here are the three original cages. This ended the Muenster Rebellion. The iron cages are still up there, as a warning.. Some details about the Muenster Rebellion are to find here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BCnster_Rebellion en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernhard_Knipperdolling en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Leiden P.S. A little door opens to the balcony just below the golden circle of the clock. Still today a nighwatchman blows a horn from there every half hour from 9 in the evening to midnight. He will do so every day except on tuesdays, as that is his day off.

Muenster, the cultural centre of Westphalia, is a city with a population of more than 250.000 of which nearly 50.000 are students at the University of Muenster. This surely helped Muenster to gain the status of the "bicycle capital of Germany". A small church was constructed here around 1000, financed by the local merchants as kind of "counterweight" to the nearby bishop´s cathedral. This was for sure a sign of wealth, but maybe as well a sign of civilian pride and independence. The construction of the gothic church seen now started 1375. The tower with it´s high steeple is younger. End of the 19th century the original tower was decrepit, so it got replaced by this one 1888/1889. It is about 90 meters high - a small copy of the steeple of the Freiburg Minster. The point from where the photo was taken is in front of the town hall. Here the story of the Muenster Rebellion continues. Prophet Jan Matthys had the vision, that Jesus would come personally to Muenster on Easter 1534, so, convinced of his invulnerability, he left the besieged city with a small group, to welcome the Lord. Only minutes later, the prophet´s head stuck on a long pole and was shown to the city by the besiegers. Strange enough the Anabaptists did believe, that Jan Matthys would resurrect after three days, what did not happen. Now Jan of Leiden started the "Regiment of the 12 Apostles", what added fierce terror to the immense hunger in the besieged city. There are details within the Muenster Rebellion, that are difficult to understand nowadays, as visions and delusions seem to be important and frequent. It may be, that these delusions actually could be caused by ergotism, a poisening through a fungus in rye, better known as "Saint Anthony's Fire". But that is just a theory. Fact is, that the troops of the bishop conquered the town in June 1535. Seven months later the most prominent Anabaptists Jan van Leiden, Bernhard Knipperdolling and Bernhard Krechting are sentenced to death by torture. It is written, that the flesh was teared off their bones with red-hot tongs. What was left of the bodies after that was put into iron cages - and these cages were placed on the steeple St. Lamberti. St. Lamberti´s steeple is jut over 100 years old, but the original cages, that had been on the old tower were moved to the new one. A close up of the cages will follow. Some details about the Muenster Rebellion are to find here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BCnster_Rebellion en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernhard_Knipperdolling en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Leiden

Muenster, the cultural centre of Westphalia, is a city with a population of more than 250.000 of which nearly 50.000 are students at the University of Muenster. This surely helped Muenster to gain the status of the "bicycle capital of Germany". The Ueberwasserkirche is just about 200 meters west of the cathedral. The car, that you see (stop lamps!) is just passing over a little bridge, as there is a small river, named Aa. So the seen here is "over/ueber" the "water/wasser", what explains the name of the church. A church was built here already 1040, but the gothic church seen here is younger. The construction of this church started 1340 - and took more than a hundred years, until it was finally completed. At that time the church had a nice spire. Then came the Muenster Rebellion, when radical, anarchic Anabaptists established a communal theocracy in Muenster. For 18 months the "Wiedertaeufer" ruled Muenster, the "New Jerusalem". The very unpopular bishop Franz of Waldeck was expelled, the decorations of the cathedral and other churches got burned, the archives destroyed, polygamy got legalized, the community of goods was declared. Prophet Jan Matthys was sure, the God's judgment was near, and that Jesus would come personally to Muenster on Easter 1534 to support them against the evil. This story explains, why the tower of the Ueberwasserkirche lost it´s spire. It took only little time for the expelled bishop the return to Muenster and besiege the town. The Anabaptists under the new mayor Bernhard Knipperdolling and the new King John I of Muenster (aka Jan Bokelson, aka John of Leiden) had the spire destroyed, used the stones for the fortifications - and a cannon was installed on top of the tower. After obstinate resistance, Muenster was taken by the bishop´s armee on June 24, 1535. What happens then - will be told under the next photo... Some details about the Muenster Rebellion are to find here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BCnster_Rebellion en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernhard_Knipperdolling en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Leiden