Thomas Leopold

Thomas Leopold, born 1693 near Kristianstad, Scania, dead 1771 in Kungälv, was one of the prophets and martyres of the Swedish Pietist movement during the 18th century.

Thomas' father Sigfrid had immigrated from Germany, and his mother was the daughter of an immigrated Scotsman.

At 35 years of age, during studies in Lund, he was imprisoned for his radical confession of faith, and remained a prisoner for 42 years, whereof 32 years at Bohus Fortress, where he died, 77 years old.

Sometimes he was visited at the castle by lutheran priests, who told him he could be free immediately, if he only denounced his radical-pietistic beliefs. He always answered calmly that he had promised Jesus to be faithful until the end.

His prison cell is still preserved and can be visited at the fortress during summer.

ee also

* Pietism
* Radical Pietism
* Johann Conrad Dippel
* Lars Ulstadius
* Bohus Fortress