Swiss Envoys appealing to Cromwell for Help for the Waldenses, 1654 (litho)

Swiss Envoys appealing to Cromwell for Help for the Waldenses, 1654. The Waldenses probably took their name from their founder, Peter Waldo, who preached against the abuses of the Church in the twelfth century. His reforming doctrines spread rapidly, and in spite of centuries of fierce persecution the Waldenses continued to increase in numbers. Their principal establishment was in Piedmont, and in 1654 the persecution in that district was so violent that envoys were sent to seek help from Cromwell, then at the zenith of his power. The incident gave the poet Milton inspiration for one of his finest sonnets. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.