A Bible for All - 1526

500 years ago William Tyndale translated the Bible and his efforts enabled so many more people to access it, influencing the way it is read today. Tyndale was the first to translate the New Testament into a clear, memorable English directly from the original Greek. His work formed the foundation for the King James Bible of 1611, which set the standard for Protestant faith and literary style for over four centuries. Commissioned by King James I to resolve religious disputes, it significantly shaped English literature, idioms, and culture.

Tyndale's Statue in Whitehall Gardens

Do visit Tyndale's statue in Whitehall Gardens, it's a tribute to the man who ultimately gave his life for his work. Tyndale is shown with his right hand on his translation of the New Testament, which sits on a printing press of similar design to one which Tyndale may have used while in exile in Belgium. Forced to live in exile, he was eventually, he was betrayed, imprisoned, and executed in 1536. He is remembered as a martyr who gave his life to ensure that the Scriptures could be read and understood by all.