How an Emperor Trapped a Con Man
Edward Kelley claimed he could talk to angels — and turn metals into gold
The castle of Hrad Krivoklat, west of Prague, was built in the 12th century, complete with a Gothic chapel. Statues of the twelve apostles gazed at worshippers from high above and at the altar stood a statue of Jesus, flanked by angels with golden wings.
The chapel lasted while the castle went through many changes. By the 16th century Hrad Krivoklat functioned as a prison, and in 1591 a highly unusual prisoner was sent there, a lone Englishman of middle age and cropped ears named Edward Kelley.
Kelley was held in a cell at the command of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, born a Hapsburg prince. The Englishman had important decisions to make if he had any chance at all at winning his freedom. He was no doubt forbidden to avail himself of the castle chapel while making his decisions. But if he had, those winged angels might have carried special significance to him. Perhaps they would have comforted him.
Or perhaps not.
After months of imprisonment, Kelley was in fact due to be released, but for a single purpose. The emperor expected much of the man who came to Prague with the renowned John Dee in 1586. Rudolf had favored him, enriched him, and spoiled him. The English commoner even held an imperial title: He was Sir…
