University Master Jan Hus, who arrived at Constance in November 1414, was one of the most renowned Church critics of his time. He came to defend his teachings and took up quarters in the house "Zur roten Kanne". In spite of a letter of safe conduct issued by King Sigismund, Hus was arrested only a short time after his arrival. Several times he was interrogated. On July 6, 1415, he was condemned as a heretic in the Cathedral of Constance and burned at the stake outside the city gates.

In order to defend Jan Hus, his companion Jerome of Prague also travelled to Constance. He found lodgings only a few metres from here in the house "Zum Delphin". After an abortive attempt to escape he recanted Hus's teachings. Later on, he withdrew his recantation only to suffer the same fate as his friend Jan Hus: On May 30, 1416, Jerome of Prague was likewise burned at the stake.

The ashes of both reformers as well as their belongings were thrown into the Rhine River. No relics should remain for their followers. Their ideas were to be obliterated. But soon after, the Hussite movement spread their teachings all over Europe.