Radical Thought and Political Resistance in the English Civil Wars

We think of revolutionary ideas originating in 1775/1776 but more than a century before, English political thinkers were proposing representation, elements of democracy and an end to monarchy. Historian Rachel Foxley, University of Reading, explores the unexpected, even startling, radicalism of English civil war thinkers, including Levellers such as pamphleteer John Lilburne. Fascinating, little known, and arrestingly radical, these thinkers sound revolutionary even today. Third in Partnership of Historic Boston’s Revolution before the Revolution series.

Founded in 1999, Partnership of Historic Bostons offers lectures, discussions, walking tours, and a fall lecture series—all by experts in the field who offer unparalleled insights into the past. All of their programs are free; they are funded through donations.