John of Leyden

John of Leyden (properly John Benckelszoon, Benckels, or Bockhold) was born at Leyden in 1509. He wandered about for some time as a journeyman tailor, settled in Leyden as merchant and innkeeper, and was noted for his abilities as an orator. Adopting the opinions of the Anabaptists, he became one of their wandering prophets. In 1533 he came to Münster, and, when Matthiessen lost his life in 1534, became his successor. Setting up in Münster 'the kingdom of Zion,' he applied in an extravagant manner the principles of the Old Testament theocracy, and established polygamy and community of goods. In June 1535 the city was taken by the Bishop of Münster. John and his chief accomplices suffered death with circumstances of fearful cruelty (January 26, 1536). See ANABAPTISTS; and Hamerling's König von Zion.