Trachselwald Castle, Switzerland

 

 

In 1597, a certain Christen Aeschliman was fined 210 pounds (possibly something like $50,000.00) because 'his wife' was a Täuferin (Anabaptist).  Although they lived far from Zurich (no trains, poor rutted roads), news of the baptism/rebaptism of a handful of Zwingli's students traveled across mountain passes and up the valleys.  The Emmantal farmers seemed particularly prone to the freedoms this new type of religious faith offered to those who hated centralized authority generally.  Once persecution commenced in the Canton of Zurich, immigration began, often in waves which depended upon the ferocity of the Anabaptist hunting.

Our ancestors in the Emmantal differed in that they resisted immigration for longer periods of time, sometimes fining refuge in the lower regions of the Jura mountains (then under the protection of Basel).

We visited the Trachselwald Castle, which is close to Sumiswald, where we are staying.  This abandoned castle was recently 'sold' to a Swiss Mennonite foundation for a symbolic SF 1.00 and has been renovated (likely by government money).  It now houses an extensive display on the Swiss Täufer (Anabaptists).  

Although the story of the Täufer/Anabaptists is well-told, the genesis for the exhibition is the sad story of Hans Haslibacher of Sumiswald.  He was the last Anabaptist in the Emmantal to be imprisoned and executed for being an important Täufer 'teacher' (1571).  He was repeatedly confined in this castle before being taken to Bern to face the authorities--over a period of years--who peppered him with questions.

As castles go, this is certainly modest, not the sort of place capable of protecting all of the surrounding villagers and farmers, but it was deemed essential for the governance of the region.  In reading the materials, one senses that the lo


cal people were not interested in riding themselves of these quiet, industrious, and (otherwise) law-abiding citizens.  The troubles were fermented in Zurich and Bern.

 Evan

 









 

Comments

  1. Walter QJune 15, 2022 at 6:17 AM

    Beautiful land- excellent reminder of our joint Mennonite History. Thank You.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 16, 2022 at 8:12 AM

    Thank you for sharing your contemplative journey through Mennonite history, Evan and Janice.

    ReplyDelete

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