MG rule and religion Flashcards
What were the Triers and Ejectors?
1653, Cromwell passes two ordinances and establishes a body of Commissioners, Triers and Ejectors, officials responsible for selection and supervision of those appointed as ministers to Church. Cromwell would not persecute particular beliefs, only those which were subversive. Commissioners drawn from several denominations including Baptist, Independent, and Presbyterian. Improved quality of Church and few ejected as most ministers showed readiness to reform. 130 ministers in 10 months. Healing and settling,
How did Cromwell show sympathy for religious sects? (Naylor’s case and Quakers)
James Naylor, Oct 1656, he approached Bristol on a donkey with adoring women around him in re-enactment of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. Local magistrates arrested him for blasphemy. In the second Protectorate, Nayler was ordered to be brought to Westminster and subject to brutal punishment including boring through of his tongue. Cromwell wrote to Parliament to tell them they acted beyond their rights in the Instrument of Government. Showed defence of religious liberty of Quakers. Cromwell also communicated with George Fox.
What problems did Cromwell face between 1654-5?
Cromwell had to contend with an increasingly Presbyterian Parliament while also satisfying the army whose sympathies were with the sects. He had hopes of religious settlement which would establish godliness and toleration without extremism. He maintained the parish system and tithes so ordinary people could worship. His toleration led increasingly towards royalists and Presbyterians in Parliament becoming closer.
During MG rule who did Cromwell re-admit?
In 1656 Cromwell had Readmission of Jews during MG rule requested by Amsterdam rabbi Menasseh Ben Israel in a petition. Provided protection for Jews, public synagogues, and a Jewish synagogue. Ben welcomed at Whitehall but Council of State stalled it.
Why were royalists initially not a threat? What issues did they face?
Royalists not a threat until after Cromwell died and they allianced with conservatives in Parliament. Problems included the lack of a leader after Charles II fled the Continent, alongside the fact that there was little support in localities. Royalists known as delinquents and decimation tax was introduced by Major Generals with 10% levy on incomes over £100. The Sealed Knot formed in 1652 by 6 aristocratic royalists discouraged uprising as it feared inevitable fear.
When was Penruddock’s rising?
1655, March, John Penruddock, former colonel to Charles I, encouraged by Sealed Knot to have a rising in Wiltshire. Penruddock led 200-400 to an attack on Salisbury. The exiles wrongfully felt that they could encourage potential centres of resistance to rise but after 2 days Penruddock’s force was scattered and defeated. He was tried and executed with leading conspirators and lesser rebels were transported.
Why did Penruddock’s rising fail?
Why Penruddock’s failed: Cromwell’s government moved to put it down, authorities in localities managed to raise 4000 local militia troops to suppress the rising, Penruddock’s rising gained no support, John Thurloe, secretary of state, navigated an elaborate espionage system and knew of royalist threat.Between 1652-9 there were seven other risings but none presented a significant problem for Cromwell as he had massive army loyalty and had an unmatched reputation as commander.
When did John Lambert first propose MG rule? What was his responsibility and what was the role of MGs?
John Lambert in summer 1655 with the Army Council consulted with Cromwell and in this time England was divided into counties with a MG ruling to exercise military control and oversee local government. Lambert was responsible for Yorkshire, Cumberland, Westmorland, and Northumberland. Role of MGs was to promote godliness and suppress uprising.
What was the decimation tax?
Decimation tax of 10% income for royalists >£100 p.a. was introduced to finance the MGs and raise local troops to maintain army’s strength without imposing heavy financial burden on central government funds.
Why were MGs unpopular?
The MGs were unpopular due to Instruction 6 in localities to impose moral behaviour alongside their lower social status compared to gentry. The magistrates and officials who functioned with hierarchy disliked the social upstarts. To continue, the MGs often didn’t rule over their localities causing resentment as people’s first concerns were for their localities.
How did people show protest to the MGs?
Localities didn’t change with magistrates’ courts running as they did before civil war. Cromwell didn’t want to upset localities but the MGs failed to garner relations with the local gentry. Alongside this, gentry were threatened by MGs and they raised taxes and local militia without reference to leaders. In summer 1656 parliamentary elections the protest slogan was ‘no swordsmen, no decimators.’
What financial problems did Cromwell face?
Cromwell and his Protectorate court in Whitehall weren’t lavish but struggled with Parliament’s frugal payments of subsidies. In 1655 annual revenue made up from customs, excise, assessments and royalist fines was £2.25 mil while annual spending was £2.6 mil. Deficit increased as Spanish War commenced in 1654.
