This year marks the 500th anniversary of the appearance in England of William Tyndale’s translation of the Greek New Testament into English. It was one of the first such translations into the vernacular making the New Testament accessible to the general population.

Originally from Gloucester in southwest England, Tyndale studied at Oxford as well as Cambridge and subsequently decided to set out on his translation of the scriptures.

His story is one of religious devotion, intellect and independence of mind, determination and, as recounted below, ultimate brutal tragedy.

In the Introduction to the History of Christianity, edited by Tim Dowley (London, Lion, 2014), it is explained that Tyndale’s self-appointed task arose because, while working as a tutor after his university years, he was struck by the lack of education of the parochial clergy, and is reputed to have told one cleric: “If God spare my life, ere many years pass, I will cause a boy that driveth the plough shall [sic] know more of the Scriptures than thou dost.”

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