Tyndale Monument

About

Standing on the Cotswold escarpment overlooking North Nibley you will see Tyndale's Monument. This striking 111 foot tower was built in 1866 in memory of the writer, William Tyndale, thought to be born nearby and famous for translating the Bible to English. Although his exact birthplace is not known, he spent his childhood in the Dursley area before going to Oxford to study Greek.

While he became a local tutor he was also outspoken stating his view that the Bible should be published in English in order that it could be studied and understood by everyone, even the poorest people in the land. This view prompted much criticism and the persecution against him so he moved to Germany devoting his time to translate and publish the Bible in English.  He finished translating the New Testament into English in 1525, with copies circulating in England by 1526. However by then is was living in Antwerp Belgium and was but was martyred in 1536 at Vilvorde near Brussels.

The memorial was suggested some three centuries later with the monument inaugurated in 1866 three years following the foundation stone being laid.

Inside the tower a narrow, dark, winding staircase leads to an enclosed viewing platform. If you have the energy and don't suffer from claustrophobia, the view is worth the climb.