‘… a respectable woman’s place was in the home. Unfortunately, though, it was rapidly becoming obvious that the home was not necessarily a more retired or safer place than the field of battle’[1] During the English Civil War, many women were left at home whilst their husbands fought for either the Crown or Parliament. However, … Read more
In the seventeenth century, Hampden emerged as a powerful influence in the struggle between Charles I and Parliament that culminated in the English Civil War. Background Born in 1594, John Hampden was the eldest son and heir of William Hampden of Buckinghamshire, and Oliver Cromwell’s cousin. Raised as a Protestant, he was educated at … Read more
Following an insurrection in Canterbury in December 1647, the accused leaders were put on trial in May 1648. However, the Grand Jury refused to indict. The events that followed culminated in the Kentish Rebellion: one of the most significant uprisings of the Second English Civil War. After the jury failed to reach a verdict, they … Read more
In 1647 the celebration of Christmas was declared by Parliament to be a punishable offence. In Canterbury, attempts to enforce this led to discord, rebellion, and violence that erupted in a series of riots. On Wednesday 22nd December 1647 the Canterbury Town Crier declared that Christmas Day would be a normal market day. The mayor … Read more
