Engraving from Apocalypsis, or The revelation of certain notorious advancers of heresie. London, 1655. Scan provided  by the Mennonite Archives of Ontario.

Bernt (Bernhard) Knipperdolling, a leader of the Anabaptists in Münster, Westphalia, Germany, was a prosperous clothing merchant. His home was located near St. Lambert's Church. He is first mentioned in 1527 when he helped to free Tonies Kruse, who had been imprisoned by the bishop. When the evangelical movement spread in Münster he joined it, particularly in supporting Bernhard Rothmann. When the bishop and the city council lost their influence through the democratic Anabaptist movement, Bernhard Knipperdolling was elected mayor in February 1534. He became a staunch supporter of Jan Matthys and Jan van Leyden when they arrived. Both were guests in his home. Jan van Leyden married Knipperdolling's daughter. After the 12 elders appointed by Jan van Leyden took over the government, he lost his office as mayor but remained the special representative of Jan van Leyden. When Jan van Leyden proclaimed himself king, Knipperdolling was opposed but finally yielded. After the defeat of Münster he was found in a hiding place and shared the fate of Jan van Leyden and Bernhard Krechting, who were cruelly tortured to death on 23 January 1536. The corpses were hung in the tower of St. Lambert's Church. Numerous portraits of Knipperdolling--paintings, woodcuts, etchings, etc. were produced by artists like H. Aldegrever and Ch. van Sichem (Geisberg).

See also Münster Anabaptists

Bibliography

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 3, p. 208. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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