This project examines the exchange of Reformation ideas between the Holy Roman Empire and England in the first half of the sixteenth century, making use of materials currently unavailable at Warwick, primarily the under-used and valuable materials at the German Historical Institute in London, as well as the archives available at the British Library and the archives at the University of Cambridge. Although developments in England took a very distinctive course (Ryrie 2002; Marshall 2012), there were important interconnections, in terms of alliance projects (McEntegart 2002) and the influence of Strasbourg theologian Martin Bucer on the changes in Edward VI’s reign (Hall 1994). Unlike existing empirical studies, my research will use the concept of ‘Cultural Exchange’ (Muchembled 2006-7) to examine these interactions, drawing in particular on the under-used resources of the German Historical Institute in London and the British Library. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how religious ideas were adapted to political climates through the mediation of individuals, as well as the international implications of such ideas.

Christopher Hunt

 

Project Report