Leveller social networks and their sectarian dynamic: 1646-1658

Abstract

This thesis re-examines the so-called ‘Levellers’ of the English Revolutionary period alongside concurrent sectarian activity. The period under examination is the years 1646 to 1658, commencing with the gradual emergence of Leveller rhetoric from within London’s tolerationist discourse, and ending with the death of Oliver Cromwell in 1658, which commenced a period of recalibration and unrest across the Protectorate. The thesis argues that there was very little of what could be considered a distinct political Leveller movement, as previous scholarship has suggested, rather that Leveller networks and discourse existed within sectarian circles across the nation. It is argued that the nature of Leveller activity was far more dependent on a godly belief system and discourse within sectarian congregations than has previously been acknowledged. Rather than the traditional Leveller leadership, this work foregrounds sectarian preachers and polemicists, and it is argued that the Leveller platform was dependent on preachers and congregational circles as its primary means of development. Individuals such as Samual Oates, Samuel Chidley, Samuel Hyland and Jeremiah Ives are presented along with others as lay-preachers who were crucial nodes for driving Leveller activity. The thesis suggests that a Christian underpinning of Leveller beliefs, such as Right Reason, or an emphasis on godly righteousness, have been overlooked in previous scholarship and that these are further signals of a fundamentally Christian foundation to Leveller arguments. While a Reformed two-kingdoms theory, the separation of the civil and spiritual state, was at the heart of Leveller campaigns, issues of a democratic legislature rarely featured. This thesis demonstrates that Leveller arguments which were found in both civilian and military circles often employed a millenarian position, relating to the anticipated Second Coming, and much of their Christian belief informed their desires for an egalitarian and tolerationist civil government. This thesis will utilise the language of social networks in their informal exploration, suggesting that Levellersim is best understood as moving through a series of interwoven networks, rather than a coherent and organised movement. A social network vocabulary is utilised to assist in the understanding of Leveller social connections and the ways in which Leveller arguments were transmitted among godly congregations and social affiliations. After re-examining the period of Leveller activity most discussed in previous scholarship, the period 1646 to 1649, the thesis continues its analysis of ongoing sectarian Leveller activity into the Commonwealth and Protectorate years. This thesis concludes by examining the presence of Leveller arguments and social networks within Fifth Monarchist congregations, suggesting that the two persuasions need not have always been mutually exclusive. Some ministers and polemicists within the Fifth Monarchy community, including John Rogers, Samuel Hyland and James Frese did promote Leveller ideas as a godly position in preparation for the rule of Christ’s directly appointed Saints