When Did the Flagellants Start?

Spontaneously Flagellant groups arose across Northern and Central Europe in 1349, including in England. However, enthusiasm for the movement diminished as suddenly as it arose. When they preached that mere participation in their processions cleaned sins, the Pope banned the movement in January 1261.

When did the flagellants start and end?

They gained many new members in the mid-14th century while the Black Death was ravaging Europe. Though periodically suppressed by the authorities, flagellant sects enjoyed sporadic resurgences into the 16th century.

What were flagellants during the Black Death?

Flagellants were people who travelled about whipping each other. They believed that the Black Death was God'' punishment. They punished themselves in order to beg forgiveness and travelled around, singing hymns and saying prayers.