Les vaudois de Fribourg (1399­1430) : état de la recherche

Abstract

The Waldensians of Fribourg (1399-1430) : a research appraisal The Waldensians of Fribourg, brought to light by two trials (in 1399 and 1430), were the last adepts of this heresy to have been visited by German-speaking preachers from Germany and Bohemia. The two trials were an important factor in the setting up of a permanent Inquisition in French-speaking Switzerland. Few Fribourg Waldensians had been influenced by Hussitism, even if the second trial was probably instigated by a pronounced fear of Hussites extending into French-speaking territory. They were equally the last town- dwelling Waldensians, which would appear to have influenced their religious sensibility. There were rich merchants in their ranks, who preferred to give alms to the poor, rather than to institute masses for souls in purgatory.