Klaipeda

also Klajpeda, Memel

Republic of Lithuania. A port on the Baltic Sea.

Founded in 1253, and awarded its charter as a town in 1254. In the 17^th century it was held for a short period by the Swedes, and was later under German control until 1919. It was lost by Germany under the Treaty of Versailles, passing to Lithuania in 1923.

Comenius’s son-in-law Petr Figulus Jablonský served in Klaipeda as court preacher from 1666 to 1670 (dying here on January 12^th 1670). Figulus was invited personally by the Elector of Brandenburg, on the recommendation of Prince Bogusław Radziwiłł; his task was to reconcile the unruly Lutherans and Protestants, which he was able to do. He also founded a school in Klaipeda.

In letters to Mikuláš Drabík (dated January 6^th and 20^th 1667) Comenius relates his intention to move to Klaipeda, and there, in peace and with Petr`s friendly assistance, to finally settle down to completing his General Advice (the Consultatio).