English Civil War

About this Collection

The English Civil War (1642 -1660) pitted supporters of Parliament against the Crown. The period includes the trial and execution of Charles I, the replacement of the monarchy with the Commonwealth of England (1649-1653), the rise of Oliver Cromwell to a virtual military dictatorship, and the eventual restoration of the monarchy. The ultimate outcome of the Revolution was the discrediting of the the divine right of kings and the beginnings of parliamentary sovereignty and constitutional monarchy.

For additional reading see our collection of Key Documents.

War and Conflict 17th Century Great Britain

Key People

William Talbot Allison

Sir William Clarke

Oliver Cromwell

Rachel Foxley

Samuel Rawson Gardiner

James Harrington

Marchamont Nedham

William Penn

William Walwyn

Arthur Sutherland Pigott Woodhouse

Titles & Essays

A – Z List

Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources (General)

Christian Denominations

English Literature

Great Britain

Philosophy, Psychology, And Religion

Political Institutions And Public Administration (Europe)

Political Theory

Religions. Mythology. Rationalism

Socialism. Communism. Anarchism

United Kingdom And Ireland

World History

Not Categorized

Selected Writings of Sir Edward Coke, vol. III

Steve Shepherd (editor)

Vol. 3 of a 3 vol. set of The Selected Writings. This volume contains Coke’s speech in Parliament (including the Petition of Right), a number of official acts related to Coke’s career, and other matters.

Tracts on Liberty by the Levellers and their Critics Vol. 2 (1644-1645)

John Lilburne (author)

The Levellers were a political movement active in England from 1646 to 1649. They were a populist movement that emphasized equal rights, religious toleration, and reformation of political and judicial corruption. They are…

Tracts on Liberty by the Levellers and their Critics Vol. 3 (1646).

David M. Hart (editor)

Tracts on Liberty by the Levellers and their Critics Vol. 4 (1647)

David M. Hart (editor)

Tracts on Liberty by the Levellers and their Critics Vol. 5 (1648)

David M. Hart (editor)

Tracts on Liberty by the Levellers and their Critics Vol. 6 (1649)

David M. Hart (editor)

Tracts on Liberty by the Levellers and their Critics Vol. 7 (1650-1660)

David M. Hart (editor)

Tracts on Liberty by the Levellers and their Critics Vol. 8 Addendum (1638-1643) (forthcoming)

Ross Kenyon (editor)

Tracts on Liberty by the Levellers and their Critics Addendum Vol. 9 (1647-49) (forthcoming)

David M. Hart (editor)

Quotes

Law

John Lilburne argues from prison that the King and the Magistrate must obey the law like everyone else (1648)

Full Quote

Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots

Milton argues that a Monarchy wants the people to be prosperous only so it can better fleece them (1660)

Full Quote

Liberty

Richard Overton argues that to submit to the unjust rule by another is to violate one’s right of self ownership (1646)

Full Quote

Natural Rights

Richard Overton shoots “An Arrow against all Tyrants” from the prison of Newgate into the prerogative bowels of the arbitrary House of Lords and all other usurpers and tyrants whatsoever (1646)

Full Quote

The State

Robert Filmer thought that the idea of the “consent of the governed” would inevitably lead to anarchy (1680)

Full Quote

Origin of Government

Sidney argues that a People’s liberty is a gift of nature and exists prior to any government (1683)

Full Quote

Liberty

The Levellers’ Declaration of Independence (March 1647)

Full Quote

Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots

Thucydides on political intrigue in the divided city of Corcyra caused by the “desire to rule” (5thC BC)

Full Quote