English Civil War

The Mad Hatter

Christopher Hill introduces Roger Crab, former Cromwellian soldier and hatter of Chesham, who took literally the text: “Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor.” Vegetarian, teetotal, celibate, he led the life of a hermit. This is the first of two studies in 17th-century eccentricity.

The Levellers: People Power

Philip Baker considers the lasting impact of the Levellers’ famous efforts to reform the English state in the aftermath of the Civil Wars by means of written agreements guaranteeing the sovereignty of the people.

The Leviathian

Maurice Cranston assesses the background and impact to Thomas Hobbes' masterwork of religious and political philosophy.

Christmas under the Puritans

Celebration of Christmas was curtailed by England’s Puritan republic but the methods and results varied considerably.