Strange Things in the Archives

This is strange if not unknown.  When Sir John Maynard was imprisoned in 1647, he connected with John Lilburne in the tower.  He was one of the 11 members singled out by the New Model earlier that year.  John Wildman and John Harris (two other Levellers) then waged a small campaign against the Lords on [...]

The Agreements of the People

I’m also working on a project discussing the failure of the first two Agreements of the People.  Barbara Taft and Austin Woolrych, who admittedly draws on Taft, both make persuasive arguments.  While Taft focuses more on the timing of the second agreement, Woolrych emphasizes the apostacy of the Levellers.  I am inclined to argue that [...]

Mabbott and Walker

I have a new theory regarding the relationship between Mabbott and Henry Walker, the editor of Perfect Occurences.  I have been stymied as to why they began feuding in 1648, as they should have been on the same side.  Both seem to have had extensive contacts within the army and had the support of many [...]

The Folger

I found a reference by Frances Henderson to an item at the Folger Library.  For whatever reason, they have a copy of Mabbott’s commission as Cromwell’s agent in 1647.  I had so far only seen records of his payments in Clarke’s account books for his work as the army’s agent.  I submitted an order form [...]

Gilbert Mabbott’s licensing habits

Right now, I’m working on taking some statistics on Mabbott’s licensing.  I’m compiling some spreadsheets, splitting up the different licensers (of course Mabbott is privileged) and the publishers, and I ‘m trying to put each licensed pamphlet into some kind of category for its political persuasion.  I’ve already had to start over twice.  I have [...]