Barebones Flashcards
When was Barebones held?
July-Dec 1653
What was the image and reality of Barebones?
Image; Puritan representatives wanting to achieve Godly things and public faith, reality; temporary institution not permanent Sanhedrin-style body wanted by Harrison, 15 members selected by ‘gathered churches’ who choose own ministers, most gentry and few tradesmen, most Independents and 13 Fifth Monarchists.
What were threats to Barebones Parliament?
Threats to regime: External; Scotland closer to England; Internal; Lilburne tried and arrested, demonstrations in his favour ironically showed evidence of regime’s radical character.
What speech did Cromwell make when it opened?
Cromwell made his Parliament of Saints Speech at beginning stating that the Parliament would usher in all things God hath promised.
Why did it end?
Why it ended and how; Cromwell disillusioned with lack of achievement, landowners hit hard, at war with itself, army leaders proposed to Cromwell he become Lord Protector of England and Ireland 16 Dec 1653.
What decision did Cromwell have to make before setting Barebones up?
Cromwell said that the liberty of people was only temporarily stifled. John Lambert suggested an army-led council and a parliament, while Major-General Harrison suggested a Godly assembly of 70 to be nominated on the precedent of the Jewish Sanhedrin, a council of leaders at Jerusalem.
When was the Barebones set up? What undermined it, and what was its goal?
On 29 April 1653 a council of state was set with 7 military men and 3 civilians, alongside a Nominated assembly of 140 Godly men with 6 Irish representatives and 5 Scottish. On 4 July 1653 Cromwell made his speech of God’s calling as they first met. He hoped the assembly would eventually dissolve and people wouldn’t elect Presbyterian, with the assembly encouraging them to support a Godly cause, but members of the assembly were never presented with reform guidance.
What arguments surround it?
Members of the Assembly called it a parliament though it wasn’t elected. It was named after a member called Praise-God Barebone, a London leather seller and radical. It was argued the Barebones were largely religiously radical and inferior in class but David L Smith has shown 4/5 were gentlemen with shift towards gentry.
What was the issue with radicalism which ended Barebones Parliament?
Moderates lost to radical minority. Useful reform; civil marriages to be performed by JP over cleric, compulsory registration of births, marriages, deaths; relief for creditors and debtors; protection for lunatics and estates; sterner measures against thieves and highwaymen. On 10 Dec 1653, radicals overturned decision for tithes to be retained, with moderates benefitting from them. 12 December, moderates voted to return their powers to Cromwell while radicals were at prayer. Cromwell decided to turn from reform to ‘healing and settling.’
