History >> Famous Czech People

The chap on the horse in Wenceslas Square, and the character from the 19th century Christmas Carol by John Mason Neale.
Born into the ruling dynasty of Bohemian dukes, princes and kings in 903, Wenceslas received a Christian education and upon his succession following his father's death in 924 against his mother's wishes he encouraged Christianity in Bohemia. He was murdered by his brother Boleslav's henchmen in 935, most likely with his mother's approval. In a fit of remorse, Boleslav tried to make amends by having his brotherís remains transferred to a fine tomb in the Prague church of St. Vitus, where they became a centre of pilgrimage. He was being honoured as a saint from at least 985 and shortly afterwards his head appeared on the countryís currency.

The event at the centre of the Christmas Carol is the matter of some debate. Jan Rejzl's book 'Good King Wenceslas - The Real Story' published in 1995 elaborates.