A Reconsideration of the influence of John Wycliffe, Wycliffism, Lollardy and Hussitism, upon 15th Century Scotland

Lollardy in Scotland has come under reconsideration in recent decades. This thesis<br/>studies the available evidence and evaluates the effects of Wycliffite thought upon<br/>Scotland. It re-examines the known incidences of Lollardy and Hussitism that<br/>occurred throughout the fifteenth century and considers the broader attacks<br/>instigated by the Crown, the State and the Church in controlling such heretical<br/>influences. An examination of these control measures would appear to suggest that<br/>there was not only a fear of heresy but also a perceived issue of ongoing<br/>manifestations of local activity within the realm. These actions were intended to<br/>protect the State, the Church, and the burgeoning university movement.<br/>This overview seeks to establish potential links between the individuals<br/>involved in the cases of heresy as well as those who attacked it, and the<br/>mechanisms they employed to counter it. This study aims to demonstrate that far<br/>from being considered as an external threat it may be seen to have developed<br/>domestically and taken upon itself issues peculiar to Scotland.<br/>Comment will be made examining the claim that Scotland was regarded as a<br/>haven for Wycliffite thought. International concerns were raised prior to and during<br/>the Council of Constance (1414-1418) and appeared to have continued throughout<br/>the fifteenth century. Coupled with this is the emergence of missionary Hussitism<br/>that appears to have been directed towards the ecclesiastical and educational heart<br/>of Scotland centred around St Andrews. Heresy was therefore an international issue<br/>and placed Scotland within a broader European framework.<br/>An overview of the means of suppression will be undertaken to examine the<br/>laws, Papal edicts, trials and personalities of those involved. This will also study the<br/>ways in which Wycliffite thought was disseminated, including consideration of the countering of these methods by the Church as they appear to have used similar to<br/>means to propagate their own orthodox teachings. All of these factors suggest a<br/>significant and continuing problem with heterodoxy. The collective actions of Kings,<br/>Churchmen and academics suggest that the crisis posed by Wycliffism, Hussitism<br/>and Lollardy was greater than has been appreciated before and requires careful<br/>reconsideration.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Master of Research (awarded by UHI)

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Master's Thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of the Highlands and Islands

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Nicholson, Robert

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/0c830187-2503-4f38-9c37-c30be1e15804

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/0c830187-2503-4f38-9c37-c30be1e15804