The century of revolution: England, 1603-58

During the 17th century, England experienced two revolutions: the first extremely violent, the second largely peaceful. Both remain the subject of fierce controversy. This course will examine the origins and nature of these revolutions in the context of political, constitutional and religious developments throughout the 17th century.  

Particular attention will be given to the role of individual monarchs and of England’s only republican head of state, Oliver Cromwell. The importance of their personalities in determining the course of events will be compared with the significance of longer term structural problems. A central theme will thus be how far Stuart England was inherently ungovernable or just badly governed by particular rulers. Throughout the classes there will be extensive reference to primary sources as well as to the complex historiography of 17th-century England. Each class will be accompanied by a hand-out of primary source material.  

The course is divided into two parts – covering 1603-1658 and 1658-1714 – which may be taken on their own or together.