Wenceslaus: A Life for a Life

The ‘good king Wenceslas’ of the carol was a duke of Bohemia who saw off his mother’s attempt to return the realm to paganism, only to be murdered for his faith by his brother Boleslaus. But the birth of a son that same night made Boleslaus repent, and he became a champion of his brother’s creed at home and abroad.

60 words

Read the whole story

Return to the Index

Tags

Mediaeval History (150) Czech History (1) St Wenceslaus (1) Lives of the Saints (140)

Related Posts

for Wenceslaus: A Life for a Life

Lives of the Saints

St George, Patron Saint of England

George served in the Roman army and lies buried in Israel, yet he makes an ideal patron for England.

The Hundred Years’ War

The Hundred Years’ War

King John had already lost most of the Crown’s lands in France, but when Aquitaine was threatened Edward III knew he must act fast.

Mediaeval History

The Kings of Northumbria

Out of a restless alliance between two 6th century kingdoms came a civilisation that defined Englishness.