The plaque:
Here stood the house of ETIENNE MANGIN in which was constructed the first Reformed Church of France. In front of this location 14 Reformists, arrested during a cult, were burned on October 8, 1546 at the decree of the Parliament in Paris on October 4, 1546. Offered by the City of Meaux 1985
Author’s note – I spent a hour in Meaux and could not find the plaque. Now looking it up with a laptop (much better for research than a mobile phone) – I realized I was off by just 100 yards… The plaque is above the Franprix per Google Streetview:
The book, “The Fourteen of Meaux”
Being arrived at the Grand Marche the said fourteen heretical Blasphemers were bound with ropes and iron chains, each to a gibbet, by the executioner of the High Justice of the city of Paris with that of the Baillage of the said Meaux ; then they were raised into the air having their faces towards each other, their heads and breasts towards the fire, which was lighted shortly after, and were thus burnt alive,
In 1546, in Meaux, 14 « Lutherans », including a pastor, were burnt at the stake. In the course of two years the Parliament in Paris, which governed the centre of France and Lyon, gave 500 people prison sentences ; and at least 68 of these were sentenced to death.
References
- http://meaux.over-blog.net/article-3418413.html
- https://www.smart-guide.org/destinations/en/meaux/?tour=Explore+Meaux&place=The+market+district
1. What was the significance of Meaux in the context of the early Reformation?
Meaux, a town near Paris, became a crucial site for the early French Reformation. Under Bishop Briçonnet, it embraced humanist learning and saw a flourishing of evangelical preaching and the distribution of vernacular Scriptures. This led to the formation of a community adhering to reformed doctrines, a development that drew the ire of the French Parliament and resulted in persecution. The events at Meaux illustrate the clash between emergent Protestant ideas and the established Catholic order, marking a pivotal point in the history of the French Reformation.
2. What role did Bishop Briçonnet play in the events surrounding the Fourteen of Meaux?
Bishop Briçonnet of Meaux, a complex figure, initially supported reform within the Catholic Church. He encouraged humanist learning, disciplined negligent clergy, and promoted preaching and the dissemination of translated Gospels. While he endorsed these changes, he opposed doctrines deemed heretical by Rome. As the movement in Meaux progressed, Briçonnet distanced himself from the reformers, likely due to increasing pressure from the Parliament and possibly a shift in his own theological convictions. His ultimate role remains ambiguous, leaving historians to debate his true allegiance.
3. Who were the Fourteen of Meaux and what were they accused of?
The Fourteen of Meaux were a group of individuals from various social backgrounds who formed an evangelical community in Meaux, embracing reformed doctrines. They were accused of heresy, holding unauthorized religious gatherings, and rejecting Catholic beliefs and practices, such as the Mass, the veneration of saints, and the authority of the Pope. Their clandestine meetings and open adherence to reformed teachings led to their arrest and trial by the French Parliament.
4. What specific events led to the arrest of the Fourteen?
On September 8, 1546, an informer reported to the authorities in Meaux that the group was holding a religious meeting at the house of Estienne Mangin. The city magistrate, accompanied by the Provost and other officers, raided the gathering, arresting those present. This incident, a direct result of their ongoing defiance of the ban on unauthorized religious assemblies, marked the beginning of their legal ordeal.
5. How did the trial of the Fourteen of Meaux proceed?
Following their arrest, the Fourteen were imprisoned and interrogated. They were pressed to renounce their beliefs and confess their alleged errors. Some recanted under pressure or in hopes of leniency. The group was then brought before the Parlement of Paris, the highest court in France. Despite attempts at persuasion and coercion, several members remained steadfast in their convictions, refusing to abjure their reformed faith.
6. What was the verdict and punishment for the Fourteen?
The Parlement of Paris, heavily influenced by the staunchly Catholic Premier President Pierre Lizet, issued a harsh judgment. Five members were condemned to be burned at the stake. Others received varying sentences, including imprisonment, public penance, and banishment. The condemned faced their fate with courage, singing Psalms and reaffirming their faith even at the moment of execution.
7. What was the long-term impact of the trial and execution of the Fourteen?
The trial and execution of the Fourteen of Meaux had a significant impact on the French Reformation. While intended to suppress the spread of Protestant ideas, the event served as a potent example of religious persecution. It fueled the growing discontent with the Catholic Church and inspired many to embrace the reformed faith, further intensifying the religious conflict brewing in France.
