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The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown
‘The execution of the king took place on a bleak, bitterly cold afternoon in January. As the executioner landed the single blow that severed Charles I’s head, the crowd let out a deep collective moan. Within weeks both the monarchy and the House of Lords were abolished. The future was in the hands of the people.’
The Restless Republic tells the story of what life was like during the unprecedented and unrepeated decade when Britain was governed without a king. Who cut radical paths? And who suffered the monumental costs?
Acclaimed historian Anna Keay follows nine figures who made names for themselves during this time. Among them Anna Trapnel, the young prophet whose visions transfixed the nation. John Bradshaw, the Cheshire lawyer who found himself trying the king. Gerrard Winstanley, the man who saw a utopia where land was shared and no one went hungry. William Petty, the precocious academic whose audacious enterprise to map Ireland led to the dispossession of tens of thousands. The redoubtable Countess of Derby who defended fiercely the last Royalist stronghold on the Isle of Man. And Marchamont Nedham, the irrepressible newspaper man and puppet-master of propaganda.
The Restless Republic ranges from the corridors of Westminster to the common fields of England. Gathering her cast of trembling visionaries and banished royalists, dextrous mandarins and bewildered bystanders, Anna Keay brings to vivid life the most extraordinary and experimental decade in Britain’s history. It is the story of what happened when a conservative people tried revolution.
The Restless Republic tells the story of what life was like during the unprecedented and unrepeated decade when Britain was governed without a king. Who cut radical paths? And who suffered the monumental costs?
Acclaimed historian Anna Keay follows nine figures who made names for themselves during this time. Among them Anna Trapnel, the young prophet whose visions transfixed the nation. John Bradshaw, the Cheshire lawyer who found himself trying the king. Gerrard Winstanley, the man who saw a utopia where land was shared and no one went hungry. William Petty, the precocious academic whose audacious enterprise to map Ireland led to the dispossession of tens of thousands. The redoubtable Countess of Derby who defended fiercely the last Royalist stronghold on the Isle of Man. And Marchamont Nedham, the irrepressible newspaper man and puppet-master of propaganda.
The Restless Republic ranges from the corridors of Westminster to the common fields of England. Gathering her cast of trembling visionaries and banished royalists, dextrous mandarins and bewildered bystanders, Anna Keay brings to vivid life the most extraordinary and experimental decade in Britain’s history. It is the story of what happened when a conservative people tried revolution.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
September 30, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable. Anna Keay's book provides a very interesting account of the story of Britain as was (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland) in 1642 and onwards until the Restoration in 1660.
For newcomers to the complex subject of the English Civil war [or The Great Rebellion], the Regicide of Charles I, and the following Commonwealth and Protectorate, this is a good book to grab hold of. For those who have some experience of dipping into Stuart-Cromwellian Britain, there is a considerable amount to be gained too.
Anna Keay's approach is to use the stories and accounts of well-known figures but also some who are less known, and indeed some new to the wider audience general reader.
In a chronological order we flow from the days of war and then the shock of Regicide and on to the Commonwealth and the various parliaments and political events. Here then we meet Oliver Cromwell, Generals Fairfax and Monck, the future Charles II, John Bradshaw and others well-known. However, we also meet and follow those who play a often central part (even if only for a chapter or two), and this for me, along with Keay's detail and ability to weave so many characters and events together, was the pleasure of the book. There are references to Diggers, Levellers, Covenanters, Quakers and more, and so called prophets and future tellers. The importance of news sheets/papers is shown as is the English plans, actions and aftermath in Ireland, including the Catholic violence in 1641 and then the mass killing and movements of whole communities of towns, villages and hamlets to western Ireland by the English. The chapters on mapping Ireland was both new and fascinating to me. One of the surprising and very interesting aspects was the central part played by women in the events: three names come to mind - Charlotte, Countess of Derby, Anne Monck and Anna Trapnel. The book is worth its price for these three alone.
Overall, a different and panoramic but very readable perspective of Britain without a crown as a Restless Republic
My copy was a William Collins paperback with 24 colour plates, and over 30 integrated b&w images. Numerous detailed sources notes and an excellent rich and full bibliography. There are two family trees and 2 maps.
Highly recommended.
For newcomers to the complex subject of the English Civil war [or The Great Rebellion], the Regicide of Charles I, and the following Commonwealth and Protectorate, this is a good book to grab hold of. For those who have some experience of dipping into Stuart-Cromwellian Britain, there is a considerable amount to be gained too.
Anna Keay's approach is to use the stories and accounts of well-known figures but also some who are less known, and indeed some new to the wider audience general reader.
In a chronological order we flow from the days of war and then the shock of Regicide and on to the Commonwealth and the various parliaments and political events. Here then we meet Oliver Cromwell, Generals Fairfax and Monck, the future Charles II, John Bradshaw and others well-known. However, we also meet and follow those who play a often central part (even if only for a chapter or two), and this for me, along with Keay's detail and ability to weave so many characters and events together, was the pleasure of the book. There are references to Diggers, Levellers, Covenanters, Quakers and more, and so called prophets and future tellers. The importance of news sheets/papers is shown as is the English plans, actions and aftermath in Ireland, including the Catholic violence in 1641 and then the mass killing and movements of whole communities of towns, villages and hamlets to western Ireland by the English. The chapters on mapping Ireland was both new and fascinating to me. One of the surprising and very interesting aspects was the central part played by women in the events: three names come to mind - Charlotte, Countess of Derby, Anne Monck and Anna Trapnel. The book is worth its price for these three alone.
Overall, a different and panoramic but very readable perspective of Britain without a crown as a Restless Republic
My copy was a William Collins paperback with 24 colour plates, and over 30 integrated b&w images. Numerous detailed sources notes and an excellent rich and full bibliography. There are two family trees and 2 maps.
Highly recommended.
May 1, 2023
The idea of reinstituting the office of king was not in itself new. Few even of those involved in the trial of Charles I, Cromwell included, had expected the monarchy itself to fall and after those radical first months the revival of the office of monarch had been periodically discussed.
This is a surprising idea to appear in chapter 15 of 18 (19 if you include the epilogue) in a book explicitly about the interregnum. It's also, unexpectedly, a chapter that focuses on Oliver Cromwell, a man who has, inevitably, appeared throughout much of the preceding narrative. My point is that I found the ordering of this book not always helpful to those of us who are not experts on this period and I frequently found myself faced with information that I wish I'd been told earlier, such as the biographical background to Cromwell himself and his thoughts on the concept of monarchy.
Keay has chosen to narrate the story of this period through mini biographies of individuals: some are 'big' political or cultural figures (Monke, Cromwell, Petty), others more obscure (Anna Trapnell) and their lives intercept at times which means that the chronology can get messy if, like me, you're looking for a historical overview of the period. For me, this book feels, at times, bitty and fragmented and I'd have benefited from more dots being joined. Some chapters almost feel like mini essays on, say, the Diggers and Levellers and other religious sects.
Personally, I wanted more context: Anna Trapnell, for example, was a Puritan prophetess and she feels like a singular character in this narrative. I'd have liked to have seen her placed into a 'tradition' of female visionaries such as Margery Kempe, Elizabeth Barton and Anne Askew to help make cultural sense of her.
I also didn't find the writing always engaging. To be fair, Keay is marshalling a lot of information here but the structure seemed to get in the way of historical flow in my case. A little disappointing though I did come away with some insights into this complicated period, not least the growth of popular journalism.
February 28, 2022
I was the sort of kid at school it was impossible to get interested in learning, everything was so very dull with the teachers droning on and on…my history teacher actually taught PE and had no knowledge of the second subject he was forced to teach. So as soon as I got a chance I dropped history…now and then though a book comes along that makes me regret that decision big time, imagine how much I could have learnt if Anna Keay was my teacher. This book was a fascinating read, I always assumed that Oliver Cromwell was a psycho that killed many to fill his need to become King, what this book has done is bring him to life and explain his role in the ending of Charles I reign and the years that followed. I feel like I have a great understanding behind his motives and that he did believe he was following god’s will and not doing this all for himself.
The book isn’t just about Cromwell, I only mentioned him as he was one of the biggest players in this moment of history, it actually follows a small number of people, not all of them well known, and the book looks at how they played their part in events and how in their small ways they influenced things. The book follows these people in a chronological format starting with those that were involved with the King’s trial all the way up to those that helped get Charles II on the throne. The research has been impeccable, it must have taken a long time to find out all this info about those with smaller parts, in fact Keay has to admit defeat on the ending of one person as they just seemed to vanish. A lot of history books can be very dry and filled with quote after quote, this one is very different, the quotes are kept to a minimum and the rest is all Keay’s words, at times I got so caught up in the narrative that I forgot it wasn’t fiction. The book is over 400 pages and not once did I get bored and that is a huge accomplishment for this sort of subject.
For me the most interesting thing in this book was the part women played, they were so strong and without their influence over the men things could have been very different…and as is usually the case they get mostly forgotten over time. I loved how one Lady held a castle under siege against one of the toughest generals (A real Game of Thrones woman), another held her own in court against some manly lawyers and another was instrumental in putting a King back on the throne. Absolutely fascinating stuff.
I highly recommend this book, a small period of history that was very unique and these peoples stories have been told in a riveting way.
Blog Review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2022...
The book isn’t just about Cromwell, I only mentioned him as he was one of the biggest players in this moment of history, it actually follows a small number of people, not all of them well known, and the book looks at how they played their part in events and how in their small ways they influenced things. The book follows these people in a chronological format starting with those that were involved with the King’s trial all the way up to those that helped get Charles II on the throne. The research has been impeccable, it must have taken a long time to find out all this info about those with smaller parts, in fact Keay has to admit defeat on the ending of one person as they just seemed to vanish. A lot of history books can be very dry and filled with quote after quote, this one is very different, the quotes are kept to a minimum and the rest is all Keay’s words, at times I got so caught up in the narrative that I forgot it wasn’t fiction. The book is over 400 pages and not once did I get bored and that is a huge accomplishment for this sort of subject.
For me the most interesting thing in this book was the part women played, they were so strong and without their influence over the men things could have been very different…and as is usually the case they get mostly forgotten over time. I loved how one Lady held a castle under siege against one of the toughest generals (A real Game of Thrones woman), another held her own in court against some manly lawyers and another was instrumental in putting a King back on the throne. Absolutely fascinating stuff.
I highly recommend this book, a small period of history that was very unique and these peoples stories have been told in a riveting way.
Blog Review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2022...
May 31, 2023
You Say You Want a Revolution
Review of the William Morrow hardcover edition (March 3, 2022)
I will sometimes travel the road not taken, when signs point to it, and get off my main course of genre fiction mixed with the occasional literary fiction and the reading in my heritage language of Estonian. So when signs appeared such as GR Friend Gumble's Yard's 5 star review of Restless Republic along with the daily news leading up to the coronation of King Charles III, I turned off the main road to delve into the time when England was a Republic between the execution of Charles I (1649) and the restoration of the monarchy with Charles II (1660).
The dustcover image of the book is cropped from the print 'Oliver Cromwell and the Royall Oake of Brittayne' (1649) by Clement Walker, which shows the Lord Protector directing the destruction of a tree representing the British Monarchy.
Keay's history is not a chronological story of the Interregnum, but instead focuses on 9 individuals who played significant roles during that time (you can see them listed in the Gumble's Yards' review linked above, so I won't relist them here). Aside from those featured characters there were plenty of curious side-paths to take as well.
I ended up reading further on such things as the brutal execution by hanging of condemned murderess Anne Greene (who was likely innocent of the accused infanticide) who came back to life before being dissected on the examination table of William Petty, whose mapping of Ireland was the main reason for his inclusion in the 9.
The savagery of the time is further displayed in the conquest of Ireland by Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army when an estimated half million of Irish (out of an estimated population of 2 million) died through war or starvation. It was the 'war that finished Ireland' (from the Irish: an cogadh do chriochnaigh Eire) according to the poet Seán Ó Conaill aka John O'Connell in his Tuireamh na hÉireann (English: Ireland's Lament (1657?).
This was a well written and fascinating history of a time which I knew little about. While reading, I also noted the recent publication of Jonathan Healey's The Blazing World: A New History of Revolutionary England, 1603-1689 (published April 11, 2023) which covers an even greater portion of that era. I may follow-up further with that reading as well.
Review of the William Morrow hardcover edition (March 3, 2022)
The 1650s was a time of extraordinarily ambitious political, social, economic and intellectual innovation, and it was not a foregone conclusion that the British republic would fail. But it was also a time about which a characterisation in the negative, ‘Britain without a Crown’, is relevant. The decade was defined to a significant degree by what was being rejected. Indeed part of the reason for the fall of the republic was that its protagonists agreed far more on what they did not want than what they sought in its place. Furthermore one of the republic of Britain’s enduring legacies has been as a historical cautionary tale, a ghoul summoned up at times of turmoil to deter later generations from a course of radicalism. That the United Kingdom remains a monarchy to this day is due in no small part to the events and experiences described in this book. - excerpt from the Introduction by Anna Keay.
I will sometimes travel the road not taken, when signs point to it, and get off my main course of genre fiction mixed with the occasional literary fiction and the reading in my heritage language of Estonian. So when signs appeared such as GR Friend Gumble's Yard's 5 star review of Restless Republic along with the daily news leading up to the coronation of King Charles III, I turned off the main road to delve into the time when England was a Republic between the execution of Charles I (1649) and the restoration of the monarchy with Charles II (1660).
The dustcover image of the book is cropped from the print 'Oliver Cromwell and the Royall Oake of Brittayne' (1649) by Clement Walker, which shows the Lord Protector directing the destruction of a tree representing the British Monarchy.
Keay's history is not a chronological story of the Interregnum, but instead focuses on 9 individuals who played significant roles during that time (you can see them listed in the Gumble's Yards' review linked above, so I won't relist them here). Aside from those featured characters there were plenty of curious side-paths to take as well.
I ended up reading further on such things as the brutal execution by hanging of condemned murderess Anne Greene (who was likely innocent of the accused infanticide) who came back to life before being dissected on the examination table of William Petty, whose mapping of Ireland was the main reason for his inclusion in the 9.
The savagery of the time is further displayed in the conquest of Ireland by Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army when an estimated half million of Irish (out of an estimated population of 2 million) died through war or starvation. It was the 'war that finished Ireland' (from the Irish: an cogadh do chriochnaigh Eire) according to the poet Seán Ó Conaill aka John O'Connell in his Tuireamh na hÉireann (English: Ireland's Lament (1657?).
This was a well written and fascinating history of a time which I knew little about. While reading, I also noted the recent publication of Jonathan Healey's The Blazing World: A New History of Revolutionary England, 1603-1689 (published April 11, 2023) which covers an even greater portion of that era. I may follow-up further with that reading as well.
August 16, 2022
Looking at the events leading up to the creation of the Republic (commonwealth) in 1649 and the conflicting interests until the Restoration in 1660, detailed examination and easy to read as well, a more aftermath of the civil wars.
March 3, 2023
Very readable and enjoyable history of the Interregnum. Keay selected nine fairly representative men and women who played roles in the period and managed to cover ground in England, Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. (What about Wales?) The focus of the book was mainly politics, including the role of the army and the political role of religion. Except for some discussion of the role of newspapers in politics, both as influencers and their battles with censorship, culture, education, the economy, and daily life were covered only in the barest outline, although the devastation brought by England to Ireland during this period was described in detail.
I had not previously realised the extent of the conflicts between the executive leadership and the various iterations of Parliament they allowed to exist, only to repeatedly dismiss them for asserting their own sovereignty. And it was fascinating to see how little unity there among the governing elite was in deciding what do do with power (other than to completely subjugate Ireland) and how unprepared they were to carry out a political program, other than rewarding itself and its followers and punishing its enemies. It makes me wonder whether there was any way to govern a nation as large as England (let alone adding Scotland and Ireland to the pot) in that time without the hierarchies and reward structures of the monarchy. Democracy evolved very slowly in the U.K.
I would have liked more details on the end of the Interregnum. The military end was well-detailed, but how did the popular demand for the Restoration develop so quickly? How significant was it? Was Charles II simply the luckiest man in history?
In all, it was a great read and taught me a lot about the period.
I had not previously realised the extent of the conflicts between the executive leadership and the various iterations of Parliament they allowed to exist, only to repeatedly dismiss them for asserting their own sovereignty. And it was fascinating to see how little unity there among the governing elite was in deciding what do do with power (other than to completely subjugate Ireland) and how unprepared they were to carry out a political program, other than rewarding itself and its followers and punishing its enemies. It makes me wonder whether there was any way to govern a nation as large as England (let alone adding Scotland and Ireland to the pot) in that time without the hierarchies and reward structures of the monarchy. Democracy evolved very slowly in the U.K.
I would have liked more details on the end of the Interregnum. The military end was well-detailed, but how did the popular demand for the Restoration develop so quickly? How significant was it? Was Charles II simply the luckiest man in history?
In all, it was a great read and taught me a lot about the period.
July 18, 2024
Thanks to the recent Supreme Court decision (and the constant striving towards an all-powerful executive by political extremists), America seems to be headed towards turning the office of the President into a kingship. Hence, I thought it would be useful to see why England got rid of their king, and why they later restored the position.
This wonderful book provides a summary of why the English rebelled against Charles I. Briefly: he raised taxes to fight unnecessary wars of choice, he wanted to impose his catholic version of religion on a mostly Protestant country, and he strong-armed the parliament multiple times, when they did not follow his orders. Charles I was as bad or worse than King John, who was so bad that his lords forced him to agree in writing to the rights of his subjects (the Magna Carta).
(An aside: The spark that set the internal war aflame was King Charles’ attempt to arrest five members of Parliament while they were in session. He walked right into the parliament in session accompanied by an armed guard and demanded the speaker of Parliament hand over certain members for arrest. (They had already fled the building). The speaker, William Lenthall, in a moment that I will always cherish, responded to King Charles with: "May it please your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak in this place but as the House is pleased to direct me, whose servant I am here." Sweet. There is a bronze star embedded in the floor of St. Stephens’s Hall, marking the exact spot where the speaker of Parliament was standing when he said that.)
After Charles was defeated, held, tried and executed, the English went without a king for more than ten years, trying various iterations of appointed parliaments, political foment, military-style district rule, and trying to just “get by” under the titular leadership of Oliver Cromwell, an army general. When Cromwell died, there was no system for choosing a successor. When it became apparent that the army planned to continue to rule regardless, the unsung hero, General George Monch, a quiet English general based in Scotland, became absolutely determined to restore the government of the people and by the people. General Monck secretly allied with retired army head Fairfax, and, riding on a wave of general revolt, they were able to oust the anti-democratic leaders in London. An elected Parliament was restored and, soon after, the son of King Charles, Charles II, returned to the throne.
The epilogue to this story is that Charles II (who was not a great king) was succeeded by his brother, the authoritarian Catholic, James II. James II cracked down on Protestants like never before, resulting in large groups of pilgrims leaving for North America. It was this Catholic authoritarianism that resulted in the “Glorious Revolution” of 1688, and the kingship of William and Mary, who were invited to the throne on the condition that they allowed freedom of religion and of the press, and always listened to Parliament.
America may now be headed towards authoritarian Catholicism, with a know-nothing con man in charge. Buckle up. If so, hopefully the checks and balances designed by the founders to control religious extremism and keep it out of politics will someday be restored.
American citizens, please exercise your right to vote.
This wonderful book provides a summary of why the English rebelled against Charles I. Briefly: he raised taxes to fight unnecessary wars of choice, he wanted to impose his catholic version of religion on a mostly Protestant country, and he strong-armed the parliament multiple times, when they did not follow his orders. Charles I was as bad or worse than King John, who was so bad that his lords forced him to agree in writing to the rights of his subjects (the Magna Carta).
(An aside: The spark that set the internal war aflame was King Charles’ attempt to arrest five members of Parliament while they were in session. He walked right into the parliament in session accompanied by an armed guard and demanded the speaker of Parliament hand over certain members for arrest. (They had already fled the building). The speaker, William Lenthall, in a moment that I will always cherish, responded to King Charles with: "May it please your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak in this place but as the House is pleased to direct me, whose servant I am here." Sweet. There is a bronze star embedded in the floor of St. Stephens’s Hall, marking the exact spot where the speaker of Parliament was standing when he said that.)
After Charles was defeated, held, tried and executed, the English went without a king for more than ten years, trying various iterations of appointed parliaments, political foment, military-style district rule, and trying to just “get by” under the titular leadership of Oliver Cromwell, an army general. When Cromwell died, there was no system for choosing a successor. When it became apparent that the army planned to continue to rule regardless, the unsung hero, General George Monch, a quiet English general based in Scotland, became absolutely determined to restore the government of the people and by the people. General Monck secretly allied with retired army head Fairfax, and, riding on a wave of general revolt, they were able to oust the anti-democratic leaders in London. An elected Parliament was restored and, soon after, the son of King Charles, Charles II, returned to the throne.
The epilogue to this story is that Charles II (who was not a great king) was succeeded by his brother, the authoritarian Catholic, James II. James II cracked down on Protestants like never before, resulting in large groups of pilgrims leaving for North America. It was this Catholic authoritarianism that resulted in the “Glorious Revolution” of 1688, and the kingship of William and Mary, who were invited to the throne on the condition that they allowed freedom of religion and of the press, and always listened to Parliament.
America may now be headed towards authoritarian Catholicism, with a know-nothing con man in charge. Buckle up. If so, hopefully the checks and balances designed by the founders to control religious extremism and keep it out of politics will someday be restored.
American citizens, please exercise your right to vote.
April 5, 2022
Through half a dozen biographies that capture the extroadinary variety and vibrancy of the Interregnum, Anna Keay brilliantly evokes the most radical decade of British history. Thorough scholarship, lucid prose, a clear love for her subject and sympathetic humanity all come to bear in this fantastic account of Britain's journey through republicanism and social upheaval. Keay convincingly recasts this typically grim and oppressive period as one of extroadinary possibility and surprising toleration.
March 26, 2022
What a magnificent book!!!!! Keay has made an absolutely superb choice of figures for her cameo portraits, and she weaves all their stories together to create a brilliant depiction of the many facets of this fascinating and complex period. She is all but flawless in her distillations of the people and the issues, and she writes splendidly. Whether you are brand new to this period, or more or less immersed in it (as I am), this is a fascinating and illuminating book, and it is a joy to read. A stunning achievement.
January 20, 2024
One of the best books I read in 2023. A compelling narrative of what happened when Britain beheaded her king, inadvertently even bringing the monarchy itself to an abrupt end. That was a simple fact I had not realised: not even Cromwell himself had
imagined or necessarily wanted his nation to be without a king full stop, but simply without this king. Ironically, when the republic collapsed, he ended up taking up the role of quasi-king his very self.
Keay tells this story by looking at 8 major and minor characters, male and female, elite & destitute. These pen portraits together interweave to constitute a richly illuminating landscape sketch of surely the most fascinating chapter in the history of Britain. Standouts for me were the accounts of the Earl & Countess of Derby marooned on the little Royalist haven of the Isle of Man, and especially the tale of William Petty. The latter is a simply fascinating and dynamic figure of whom I had never heard before. He went from rags to riches via the adventures & inventions of a burgeoning scientific mind. We start in his room on the Oxford High Street above an apothecary, where his anatomical dissections let to him sensationally raising 'from the dead' a maid who'd recently been hanged. We follow him as he founds the Royal Society then travels across land and sea to his groundbreaking, history-making (not to mention lucrative!) mapping of the entirety of Ireland using rudimentary tools & untrained men on grueling territory.
We learn not only the story of the war but of Britain's political fortunes cycling through monarchy, republic, protectorate, junta rule via military coup, and back again. We see the very masterminds of the revolution like Monk & Fairfax play the key roles in re-establishing royal rule. We learn of scientific inventions & discoveries, not least that the heart doesn't merely palpitate blood but circulates it. But we also see how this period sowed the seeds for a free media press, the Industrial Revolution, the mercantile policies of modern capitalism and a colonial empire.
A compelling read!
imagined or necessarily wanted his nation to be without a king full stop, but simply without this king. Ironically, when the republic collapsed, he ended up taking up the role of quasi-king his very self.
Keay tells this story by looking at 8 major and minor characters, male and female, elite & destitute. These pen portraits together interweave to constitute a richly illuminating landscape sketch of surely the most fascinating chapter in the history of Britain. Standouts for me were the accounts of the Earl & Countess of Derby marooned on the little Royalist haven of the Isle of Man, and especially the tale of William Petty. The latter is a simply fascinating and dynamic figure of whom I had never heard before. He went from rags to riches via the adventures & inventions of a burgeoning scientific mind. We start in his room on the Oxford High Street above an apothecary, where his anatomical dissections let to him sensationally raising 'from the dead' a maid who'd recently been hanged. We follow him as he founds the Royal Society then travels across land and sea to his groundbreaking, history-making (not to mention lucrative!) mapping of the entirety of Ireland using rudimentary tools & untrained men on grueling territory.
We learn not only the story of the war but of Britain's political fortunes cycling through monarchy, republic, protectorate, junta rule via military coup, and back again. We see the very masterminds of the revolution like Monk & Fairfax play the key roles in re-establishing royal rule. We learn of scientific inventions & discoveries, not least that the heart doesn't merely palpitate blood but circulates it. But we also see how this period sowed the seeds for a free media press, the Industrial Revolution, the mercantile policies of modern capitalism and a colonial empire.
A compelling read!
May 16, 2023
Fascinating and readable account of the turbulent years between the execution of Charles I in 1649 and the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy in 1660. Anna Keay uses short biographies of people who became public figures in that period - for example a Royalist aristocrat, a religious ‘prophetess’, a gifted and opportunistic journalist, a doctor who turned his talents to surveying - and links them to the political and military upheaval of the Interregnum.
I was totally gripped by this account of a period I knew only in terms of dates and Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell does of course have a significant role in events, but there are others whose contributions and decisions ultimately drove the fate of the short-lived republic. Keay shows the wide range of religious and political views in the population, preventing any consensus on what the new Parliament and government should be, and makes clear how actions in Ireland and Scotland changed the course of history for those countries over the following centuries.
This is necessarily quite a broad brush view which focuses primarily on domestic political change - military conflicts and foreign affairs are dealt with briefly and only in so far as they touch the main narrative - but this serves to give a vivid and colourful view of an unusual decade. The biographical approach was underpinned by a chronological progression through the Interregnum so that characters we met early on reappeared in later chapters, and this worked well to make it clear how events unfolded and affected others.
Brilliant non-fiction writing, I abandoned other books to finish this as I was totally engaged by the characters and the period.
I was totally gripped by this account of a period I knew only in terms of dates and Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell does of course have a significant role in events, but there are others whose contributions and decisions ultimately drove the fate of the short-lived republic. Keay shows the wide range of religious and political views in the population, preventing any consensus on what the new Parliament and government should be, and makes clear how actions in Ireland and Scotland changed the course of history for those countries over the following centuries.
This is necessarily quite a broad brush view which focuses primarily on domestic political change - military conflicts and foreign affairs are dealt with briefly and only in so far as they touch the main narrative - but this serves to give a vivid and colourful view of an unusual decade. The biographical approach was underpinned by a chronological progression through the Interregnum so that characters we met early on reappeared in later chapters, and this worked well to make it clear how events unfolded and affected others.
Brilliant non-fiction writing, I abandoned other books to finish this as I was totally engaged by the characters and the period.
December 25, 2022
I seem to have read so many books about the English civil war that I doubt there’s anything different or new I could learn about the period. And yet, Anna Keay’s book manages to give a new, and different slant on the events following the execution of Charles 1. She does this by recounting what happened through the experiences of nine individuals, most of whom were unknown to me.
She also covers in great detail (perhaps too much detail) the toing and froing of arguments and events surrounding exactly how the new republic was to be governed. Despite it being a period of change and radical new ideas, in the end the attitudes of the rulers was too conservative, ending with the push to make Cromwell king. It explains where we are now when, after the death of a monarch who reigned for 70 years, we have a new coronation next year with little or no debate about whether to continue with this anachronism in a 21st century democracy.
The other powerful part of the book is the horrific details of what happened in Ireland, the results of which we still live with today.
She also covers in great detail (perhaps too much detail) the toing and froing of arguments and events surrounding exactly how the new republic was to be governed. Despite it being a period of change and radical new ideas, in the end the attitudes of the rulers was too conservative, ending with the push to make Cromwell king. It explains where we are now when, after the death of a monarch who reigned for 70 years, we have a new coronation next year with little or no debate about whether to continue with this anachronism in a 21st century democracy.
The other powerful part of the book is the horrific details of what happened in Ireland, the results of which we still live with today.
January 10, 2025
An excellent book about the 1650 - the Interregnum - explaining why Britain's experiment with a republic failed.
It starts with King Charles I's execution outside the Banqueting House at Whitehall, abolition of the monarchy and the House of Lords, dispossession of the Irish and right up until the Restoration of King Charles II.
Yet this little-known period led to Britain becoming a Constitutional monarchy, formation of the British army and newspapers.
It introduces us to characters such as Cheshire lawyer John Bradshaw in charge of King Charles' trial, journalist Marchamont Nedham who became a puppet master of propaganda and Gerrard Winstanley's country communist Utopia, the gutsy Countess of Derby who defended her home on the Isle of Man and William Petty who produced maps of Ireland.
A must-read for anyone interested in 17th British history.
It starts with King Charles I's execution outside the Banqueting House at Whitehall, abolition of the monarchy and the House of Lords, dispossession of the Irish and right up until the Restoration of King Charles II.
Yet this little-known period led to Britain becoming a Constitutional monarchy, formation of the British army and newspapers.
It introduces us to characters such as Cheshire lawyer John Bradshaw in charge of King Charles' trial, journalist Marchamont Nedham who became a puppet master of propaganda and Gerrard Winstanley's country communist Utopia, the gutsy Countess of Derby who defended her home on the Isle of Man and William Petty who produced maps of Ireland.
A must-read for anyone interested in 17th British history.
May 27, 2023
The 1650s were wild
July 12, 2023
Keay's telling of a turbulent decade in British history takes character as its focus. The figures who impact the story are from all walks of life and Keay writes compellingly about their everyday lives in addition to their impact on momentous events and movements.
A wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
A wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
May 3, 2025
This was fantastic, but now I just want to read more about revolutionary england and not take something from the Pile.
April 10, 2024
The 52 Week Reading Challenge: A yellow spine (28)
3*
The book follows a chronological narrative that tells the story of the newly formed Republic after the execution of Charles I. Nine individuals are focused on that had varied experiences during this time.
This is not a period of history that I find particularly interesting or appealing and have little knowledge of. I found the book interesting and readable as it offered varied accounts of the time period and different perspectives.
3*
The book follows a chronological narrative that tells the story of the newly formed Republic after the execution of Charles I. Nine individuals are focused on that had varied experiences during this time.
This is not a period of history that I find particularly interesting or appealing and have little knowledge of. I found the book interesting and readable as it offered varied accounts of the time period and different perspectives.
March 16, 2023
I have been reading a lot of histories of seventeenth century England/Britain in the past year and this book concentrates on the twelve years from about 1648 to 1660 by exploring the lives of individuals who lived through that time and recorded their experiences, or for whom historical records can be reconstructed. Keay accepts that this is necessarily selective and also appreciates that their lives extended before and after this period, but seeks to provide a history of the period through her selected individuals’ experiences.
For me, this is history as it should be written: wide ranging, thoughtful, thought provoking and a fun read. Keay has chosen a handful of individuals to represent this period, and has made a gloriously imaginative selection.
Portrayed are:
• John Bradshaw, a solicitor from Cheshire who became president of the parliamentary commission to try king Charles I in 1649.
• Gerrard Winstanley, a failed London businessman who became the “leader” of the Digger movement (proto-communists) in 1650.
• Charlotte, Countess of Derby and her husband who was a Royalist initially withstanding seiges of their Cheshire castle, Lathom House in 1644, and later Castle Rushen on the Isle of Man in 1651.
• Marchamont Nedham, a journalist of the Royalist publication Mercurius Pragmaticus, who when imprisoned for his writings by the Republic, accepted the job of public relations for Parliament, publishing Mercurius Politicus. He became the first famous political journalist. This covers the period up to Cromwell’s military coup of Parliament in April 1653.
• Anna Trapnel, a Puritan evangelical (Fifth Monarchist), who became politicised against Cromwell’s regime despite it allowing religious toleration, as it still didn’t go far enough
• Sir Hamon L’Estrange, a country squire and owner of Norfolk’s Hunstanton House. Initially siding with the Royalists and commanding King’s Lynn, he had subsequently retired from politics and with his industrious and practical wife, had sought to buy back his estates lost through Parliamentary fines.
• William Petty, an Oxford doctor, convener of the Oxford Experimental Philosophy Society, which became the Royal Society. By being doctor to the Major General of Ireland, he learns of the plan for a survey of Ireland by professional surveyors which is to take seven years. As a practical thinker, he offers to use untrained but experienced army personnel to complete the process in thirteen months, and he successfully delivers on his commission.
• Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector. I haven’t read a biography, so the two chapters about Cromwell’s rejection of the crown and duality between his country gentleman upbringing and epiphany of radical religious convictions were succinct but enlightening.
• George Monck, a professional soldier, initially fighting for the Royalists, but after capture and imprisonment, for the Parliamentarians. After Cromwell’s death and a military takeover of Parliament (again), Monck used the army in Scotland to “defeat” by diplomacy and threat, the London military and re-establish Parliament, then the return of the monarchy.
Brilliant history.
For me, this is history as it should be written: wide ranging, thoughtful, thought provoking and a fun read. Keay has chosen a handful of individuals to represent this period, and has made a gloriously imaginative selection.
Portrayed are:
• John Bradshaw, a solicitor from Cheshire who became president of the parliamentary commission to try king Charles I in 1649.
• Gerrard Winstanley, a failed London businessman who became the “leader” of the Digger movement (proto-communists) in 1650.
• Charlotte, Countess of Derby and her husband who was a Royalist initially withstanding seiges of their Cheshire castle, Lathom House in 1644, and later Castle Rushen on the Isle of Man in 1651.
• Marchamont Nedham, a journalist of the Royalist publication Mercurius Pragmaticus, who when imprisoned for his writings by the Republic, accepted the job of public relations for Parliament, publishing Mercurius Politicus. He became the first famous political journalist. This covers the period up to Cromwell’s military coup of Parliament in April 1653.
• Anna Trapnel, a Puritan evangelical (Fifth Monarchist), who became politicised against Cromwell’s regime despite it allowing religious toleration, as it still didn’t go far enough
• Sir Hamon L’Estrange, a country squire and owner of Norfolk’s Hunstanton House. Initially siding with the Royalists and commanding King’s Lynn, he had subsequently retired from politics and with his industrious and practical wife, had sought to buy back his estates lost through Parliamentary fines.
• William Petty, an Oxford doctor, convener of the Oxford Experimental Philosophy Society, which became the Royal Society. By being doctor to the Major General of Ireland, he learns of the plan for a survey of Ireland by professional surveyors which is to take seven years. As a practical thinker, he offers to use untrained but experienced army personnel to complete the process in thirteen months, and he successfully delivers on his commission.
• Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector. I haven’t read a biography, so the two chapters about Cromwell’s rejection of the crown and duality between his country gentleman upbringing and epiphany of radical religious convictions were succinct but enlightening.
• George Monck, a professional soldier, initially fighting for the Royalists, but after capture and imprisonment, for the Parliamentarians. After Cromwell’s death and a military takeover of Parliament (again), Monck used the army in Scotland to “defeat” by diplomacy and threat, the London military and re-establish Parliament, then the return of the monarchy.
Brilliant history.
November 15, 2024
Mark Twain has a famous quote about the trajectory of history: “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” Much truth can be found in this when looking back at our long human story. Certain themes can be picked out from the past that resonate through time, regardless of the changes in technology or government. Of the many to be found, few are as timeless as the devious seizure of power for the greater good; The end will justify the means, but those same means often lead to a ruinous ending.
Few have not heard of Napoleon Bonaparte, a man whose rise to glory from a humble military officer to Emperor of France is seen as nothing less than epic. Yet less is known about his similar counterpart just a mere hundred years before. In fact, Napoleon in his younger days thought that to be for the better, lest the French people make comparisons to him that could ruin his rise to power. The similarities between the two really are striking, with many contemporaries of both men finding their politicking to be morally reprehensible. Napoleon was a unique individual, but the nature of his reign was anything but.
This Napoleon precursor is none other than Oliver Cromwell, a renowned general turned “Lord Protector” of England who has traditionally been viewed as a rampant dictator and morally corrupt human. Yet unlike Napoleon, his story, and even more so the times in which he rose to fame, risk being forgotten in the grand scale of history. In an attempt to reverse this, Anna Keay brings this fascinating era to life in her new book The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown.
The narrative revolves around the brief period of the Interregnum (1649-1660), which found the Isles to be briefly free of any monarchical power. As unique as this is in British history, it is often misunderstood or ignored. Cromwell’s name is often the only thing people associate this period with, assuming they have heard of him at all. This helps to create a negative view of this grand experiment in governing. Anna Keay has two lofty goals in writing The Restless Republic: to uncover what life was like during the Interregnum and to upend many of the negative notions surrounding it. She asserts that “(t)he 1650s was a time of extraordinary ambitious political, social, economic and intellectual innovation, and it was not a foregone conclusion that the British republic would fail.” She handily succeeds in both goals, much of it owing to the incredible research done in bringing forth the lives and perspectives of people that have been long overlooked.
It is rare for the book to delve into the macro-level view on events. Instead, Keay immerses the reader with the people who experienced the events, or shaped them, firsthand. The cast of characters are diverse, including Royalists and Republicans, Puritans and Laudians, Gentry and Commoners. Some notable figures that stand out personally are Thomas Fairfax, George Monck, and John Bradshaw, all of which rose to the occasion, with some having a complete turnabout in the process. The reader witnesses radical political and religious groups battle for influence through people like Anna Trapnel and the fifth Monarchists; scientific undertakings performed that lead to newfound knowledge through men like William Petty and his mapping of Ireland; or even the rise of polemical journalism by Marchamont Neham and his newsbook Mercurius Politicus. While each story is vastly different, a common thread through all is that no one would have known that the Republic would last only eleven years. Anna Keay gets this idea across superbly thanks to these close perspectives she takes with all the characters. By narrowing in on these individuals through much of the book, it strips away hindsight and allows the reader to experience the excitement of the times as it was truly felt by those living back in the day.
Throughout the text, Keay lays the groundwork for the factors that led to the collapse of the Interregnum. With each seizure of power by the likes of Cromwell or the Rump Parliament came a succession of new grievances from their opposing parties like the Army or the Moderates. Keay makes the reader understand that, while all the varying factions agreed on what they did not want, having a Monarchy in power, there were precious few things they agreed on putting in its place. Issues like religious toleration for fringe protestant sects, radical agendas regarding equality, and punitive measures for Royalists all served to splinter the different factions in government. This fracturing lead to the continual suspension of popular government and a devolution into authoritarian tendencies. The frequency in these breakdowns led former Parliamentarians, like Fairfax and Monck, to eventually see through with restoring King Charles II to the throne. As Keay puts it, “The Protectorate had failed, the Commonwealth had failed and the Rump had refused to fill its empty seats. George Monck had tried to make each ‘settlement’ in turn work, despite their many shortcomings, but without success. What now was left?”
The writing throughout the book is gripping while still incorporating academic rigor. The thriller-like prose does justice to the suspenseful nature of the events. Reading about the numerous conspiracies, battles, and tense arguments between factions leaves the reader wanting to turn the page while still being enlightened in the process. The research is sound, with a copious number of notes being detailed in the back of the book and original conclusions forthcoming throughout. Much of the evidence used to propel Keay’s argument comes from primary sources; writings, speeches, and memoirs were combed through methodically. This approach allows for an understanding of the motivations within each character and how they might have evolved throughout time. It invites a level of honesty to the work that is welcomed, allowing the reader to see for themselves what the characters saw and felt rather than reading Keay’s reinterpretation.
Although the books is a resounding success, there is a minor problem with it. While the writing focuses closely on a range of characters, there are times when it can be difficult to track the story for each of them with how much jumping around Keay does between each of them. The reader could be situated with one person’s story, and then be completely transplanted into a different one. While Keay effectively explains the reason for each shift in perspective, it would be nice to follow along for longer tracts of time just to get a better understanding for what each person is doing.
Overall, the book successfully explores the seemingly endless experiments and innovations that were present during the Interregnum, and how the end of this unique yet brief period of history was anything but preordained. This book should be highly recommended to anyone looking to uncover the truth behind this unique era in British history, the continuing importance it has for the country today, and the timeless truths it reveals about humanity.
Few have not heard of Napoleon Bonaparte, a man whose rise to glory from a humble military officer to Emperor of France is seen as nothing less than epic. Yet less is known about his similar counterpart just a mere hundred years before. In fact, Napoleon in his younger days thought that to be for the better, lest the French people make comparisons to him that could ruin his rise to power. The similarities between the two really are striking, with many contemporaries of both men finding their politicking to be morally reprehensible. Napoleon was a unique individual, but the nature of his reign was anything but.
This Napoleon precursor is none other than Oliver Cromwell, a renowned general turned “Lord Protector” of England who has traditionally been viewed as a rampant dictator and morally corrupt human. Yet unlike Napoleon, his story, and even more so the times in which he rose to fame, risk being forgotten in the grand scale of history. In an attempt to reverse this, Anna Keay brings this fascinating era to life in her new book The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown.
The narrative revolves around the brief period of the Interregnum (1649-1660), which found the Isles to be briefly free of any monarchical power. As unique as this is in British history, it is often misunderstood or ignored. Cromwell’s name is often the only thing people associate this period with, assuming they have heard of him at all. This helps to create a negative view of this grand experiment in governing. Anna Keay has two lofty goals in writing The Restless Republic: to uncover what life was like during the Interregnum and to upend many of the negative notions surrounding it. She asserts that “(t)he 1650s was a time of extraordinary ambitious political, social, economic and intellectual innovation, and it was not a foregone conclusion that the British republic would fail.” She handily succeeds in both goals, much of it owing to the incredible research done in bringing forth the lives and perspectives of people that have been long overlooked.
It is rare for the book to delve into the macro-level view on events. Instead, Keay immerses the reader with the people who experienced the events, or shaped them, firsthand. The cast of characters are diverse, including Royalists and Republicans, Puritans and Laudians, Gentry and Commoners. Some notable figures that stand out personally are Thomas Fairfax, George Monck, and John Bradshaw, all of which rose to the occasion, with some having a complete turnabout in the process. The reader witnesses radical political and religious groups battle for influence through people like Anna Trapnel and the fifth Monarchists; scientific undertakings performed that lead to newfound knowledge through men like William Petty and his mapping of Ireland; or even the rise of polemical journalism by Marchamont Neham and his newsbook Mercurius Politicus. While each story is vastly different, a common thread through all is that no one would have known that the Republic would last only eleven years. Anna Keay gets this idea across superbly thanks to these close perspectives she takes with all the characters. By narrowing in on these individuals through much of the book, it strips away hindsight and allows the reader to experience the excitement of the times as it was truly felt by those living back in the day.
Throughout the text, Keay lays the groundwork for the factors that led to the collapse of the Interregnum. With each seizure of power by the likes of Cromwell or the Rump Parliament came a succession of new grievances from their opposing parties like the Army or the Moderates. Keay makes the reader understand that, while all the varying factions agreed on what they did not want, having a Monarchy in power, there were precious few things they agreed on putting in its place. Issues like religious toleration for fringe protestant sects, radical agendas regarding equality, and punitive measures for Royalists all served to splinter the different factions in government. This fracturing lead to the continual suspension of popular government and a devolution into authoritarian tendencies. The frequency in these breakdowns led former Parliamentarians, like Fairfax and Monck, to eventually see through with restoring King Charles II to the throne. As Keay puts it, “The Protectorate had failed, the Commonwealth had failed and the Rump had refused to fill its empty seats. George Monck had tried to make each ‘settlement’ in turn work, despite their many shortcomings, but without success. What now was left?”
The writing throughout the book is gripping while still incorporating academic rigor. The thriller-like prose does justice to the suspenseful nature of the events. Reading about the numerous conspiracies, battles, and tense arguments between factions leaves the reader wanting to turn the page while still being enlightened in the process. The research is sound, with a copious number of notes being detailed in the back of the book and original conclusions forthcoming throughout. Much of the evidence used to propel Keay’s argument comes from primary sources; writings, speeches, and memoirs were combed through methodically. This approach allows for an understanding of the motivations within each character and how they might have evolved throughout time. It invites a level of honesty to the work that is welcomed, allowing the reader to see for themselves what the characters saw and felt rather than reading Keay’s reinterpretation.
Although the books is a resounding success, there is a minor problem with it. While the writing focuses closely on a range of characters, there are times when it can be difficult to track the story for each of them with how much jumping around Keay does between each of them. The reader could be situated with one person’s story, and then be completely transplanted into a different one. While Keay effectively explains the reason for each shift in perspective, it would be nice to follow along for longer tracts of time just to get a better understanding for what each person is doing.
Overall, the book successfully explores the seemingly endless experiments and innovations that were present during the Interregnum, and how the end of this unique yet brief period of history was anything but preordained. This book should be highly recommended to anyone looking to uncover the truth behind this unique era in British history, the continuing importance it has for the country today, and the timeless truths it reveals about humanity.
March 9, 2025
This is an excellent study of that most fascinating period in English history - the 11 years after the execution of Charles I when England had no king.
The republic which ensued was not the intended outcome for many of those who fought on the winning side in the Civil War. It was certainly not planned for and it was really only the iron will and charisma of Cromwell that held things together.
Keays, we are told, was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2019 and may well have knelt to receive it from the late queen or another member of her household.
It seems oddly ironic that this recipient of royal patronage has chosen to write about the brief ascendency of English republicanism.
Yet she writes well, bringing history to life through telling it through the eyes of those who witnessed it from the lofty to the lowly. A great contribution to our understanding of the time when the world was turned upside down after a bloodied king's head was lopped from his shoulders.
The republic which ensued was not the intended outcome for many of those who fought on the winning side in the Civil War. It was certainly not planned for and it was really only the iron will and charisma of Cromwell that held things together.
Keays, we are told, was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2019 and may well have knelt to receive it from the late queen or another member of her household.
It seems oddly ironic that this recipient of royal patronage has chosen to write about the brief ascendency of English republicanism.
Yet she writes well, bringing history to life through telling it through the eyes of those who witnessed it from the lofty to the lowly. A great contribution to our understanding of the time when the world was turned upside down after a bloodied king's head was lopped from his shoulders.
August 2, 2023
I knew they cut off the King’s head. I knew that they brought back his son Charles II and I had no interest in what happened in between. I knew Cromwell was involved but it weren’t for me. I’m not a Civil War sort of girl. But…but what could easily be a very dry time about Parliamentary versus army fighting Anna Keay douses with life. Through the lives of those who are not the well known players she weaves a tapestry so vivid not only did I gain a deeper understanding of what happened between the regicide and restoration but feel like I understand the age.
Discovering the stories of a religious group wanting to return to the land, a grand lady on the losing side holding onto her lands and titles, a newspaper man who feels so modern, and finding out a man who we should all know along side the name Cromwell.
I’ve not enjoyed a history book quite so much in quite some time. All the more impressive because this is not about my favourite medieval Europe. I do not give history books a five star often but this is definitely exceptional.
Discovering the stories of a religious group wanting to return to the land, a grand lady on the losing side holding onto her lands and titles, a newspaper man who feels so modern, and finding out a man who we should all know along side the name Cromwell.
I’ve not enjoyed a history book quite so much in quite some time. All the more impressive because this is not about my favourite medieval Europe. I do not give history books a five star often but this is definitely exceptional.
August 23, 2023
Keay does a great job telling the story of a complicated decade, animating the historian's traditional stringing together of dates/places/events with a set of personal stories covering the full range of social classes and political sympathies. The use of mini-biographies can lead to some confusing timeline intersections (more than once I needed to page back to re-anchor myself), but it does an excellent job of immersing the reader in the real-life impact of what can other seem to be esoteric differences in religious practices or political philosophy.
Keay provides a very balanced view of the different sides of the conflict. Her portrait of Cromwell shows all his sides -- the brutal soldier, the loyal friend, the doting parent, the deep believer in predestination. Keay seems to trust the reader to draw their own conclusions rather than banging them over the head with hers.
Keay provides a very balanced view of the different sides of the conflict. Her portrait of Cromwell shows all his sides -- the brutal soldier, the loyal friend, the doting parent, the deep believer in predestination. Keay seems to trust the reader to draw their own conclusions rather than banging them over the head with hers.
April 27, 2023
What a bloody brilliant book. Keay has managed to enthral me with an account of the Interregnum, a period which would normally not interest me in the slightest, with such an engaging and informative account of Britain’s dabble with republicanism.
Telling the story of this turbulent period through the stories of lesser known individuals, such as General Monck, Lady Derby and Marchamont Nedham, the republican period is cast in a new light and the motivations of key characters are brought to life.
In a narrative which spans multiple decades and all corners of the Three Kingdoms, Keay offers an absolutely outstanding account of this unique period in our history.
Telling the story of this turbulent period through the stories of lesser known individuals, such as General Monck, Lady Derby and Marchamont Nedham, the republican period is cast in a new light and the motivations of key characters are brought to life.
In a narrative which spans multiple decades and all corners of the Three Kingdoms, Keay offers an absolutely outstanding account of this unique period in our history.
July 13, 2022
A fantastic read, I learned so much! I really appreciated the variety of figures that Anna Keay chose to focus on, it really helped flesh out a vision of this time from lots of different angles. I'm really pleased to have a better depth of knowledge about this really fascinating and unprecedented time - one thing that occurs again and again is how much there wasn't an overarching plan! The execution of Charles I opened up a vacuum and invited people to imagine a new way of being and governing and it was really fascinating to see how different factions responded to it.
March 13, 2024
This is an enjoyable, easy to read introduction to the Interregnum, which is the period in English history between the execution of Charles 1 in 1649 and the restoration of Charles 2 in 1660. The first couple of chapters provide a quick review of the reign of Charles 1 and the Civil Wars. The remaining chapters carry us through the decade by focusing on one or another character. Chapters 3 and 4 feature Gerrard Winstanley, the utopian communist who led the Diggers and wrote widely read books articulating his vision of a propertyless society. The next few chapters feature The Countess of Derby, a courageous royalist who defended the Isle of Man. Others include the “prophetess” Anna Trapnel, the journalist Marchamont Nedham, the likable L’Estrange clan, and the scientist William Petty, who accomplished a complete surveyor’s map of Ireland in 13 months by breaking down the surveyor’s task into subtasks and training soldiers to perform them, anticipating Henry Ford. The final focusing character is General George Monck, who was ultimately the person most responsible for realizing the restoration. Of course the character of Oliver Cromwell is on almost every page but he’s not one of our focusing characters.
It’s a very well made book, intended for the general reader.
It’s a very well made book, intended for the general reader.
October 4, 2024
A fascinating history of the often ignored time between the much written about, civil wars, and the restoration. Yet it is a time which had consequences which still resound in today's Britain.
Keay keeps the reader hooked by following the lives of a wide selection of people, from defeated royalists like Lady Derby to pamphleteers, the leader of the trial of Charles I, a visionary woman and many others. The reader follows them as their fortunes rise and fall, and they try to survive in a world where all the rules have changed and keep changing. Above it all are the fortunes of Oliver Cromwell, a victor who spends the first five years of victory as a ruthless soldier and commander. But also is a devout Christian forever questioning his motives. A man who eventually accepts the trappings of a king but can't bring himself to take the title. A fond and indulgent husband and father but also a man of rage.
It is a history book full of well researched facts and thought-provoking ideas.
Keay keeps the reader hooked by following the lives of a wide selection of people, from defeated royalists like Lady Derby to pamphleteers, the leader of the trial of Charles I, a visionary woman and many others. The reader follows them as their fortunes rise and fall, and they try to survive in a world where all the rules have changed and keep changing. Above it all are the fortunes of Oliver Cromwell, a victor who spends the first five years of victory as a ruthless soldier and commander. But also is a devout Christian forever questioning his motives. A man who eventually accepts the trappings of a king but can't bring himself to take the title. A fond and indulgent husband and father but also a man of rage.
It is a history book full of well researched facts and thought-provoking ideas.
July 23, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable, I loved how the book uses the stories of a diverse cast of characters to bring to life a period of English history I knew nothing about. It was particularly enlightening about this period of Irish history which we in England are not taught in our schools.
I was left with both a regret that the republic never succeeded and a relief that military rule was short-lived. It is fascinating to consider how much of what was allowed to take root during the period, the colonies, science, a sensationalist press, and to some extent religious plurality lead to the rise of the British empire and ongoing nature of our democracy. Anna Keay has written a great book.
I was left with both a regret that the republic never succeeded and a relief that military rule was short-lived. It is fascinating to consider how much of what was allowed to take root during the period, the colonies, science, a sensationalist press, and to some extent religious plurality lead to the rise of the British empire and ongoing nature of our democracy. Anna Keay has written a great book.
February 11, 2023
This book explored part of history that I knew little about. The book commences with the downfall and subsequent execution of King Charles1 and follows society and government through to the rise of Charles2, albeit after a couple of abortive attemps to recover the English throne
The main body of the story explores the implementation of the "Committee of State" that rules England in the interim. It narrarates how the committee divides the country, helped eventually by the recently formed press, introduces laws about religon, tithes and land issue[theLevellers and Diggers]
Following the revolts and disputes we see the rise of Oliver Cromwell as the Protector and fall when England reverts to a monarchy.
The book is well written and researched[ there are extensive notes and a good bibliography]. Nevertheless the commentary is easy to read and is written in an easy yet entertaining manner. A knowledgable book from which I learnt a lot
The main body of the story explores the implementation of the "Committee of State" that rules England in the interim. It narrarates how the committee divides the country, helped eventually by the recently formed press, introduces laws about religon, tithes and land issue[theLevellers and Diggers]
Following the revolts and disputes we see the rise of Oliver Cromwell as the Protector and fall when England reverts to a monarchy.
The book is well written and researched[ there are extensive notes and a good bibliography]. Nevertheless the commentary is easy to read and is written in an easy yet entertaining manner. A knowledgable book from which I learnt a lot
October 23, 2023
I can’t believe all these people were real, that all this madness happened or that there was still a country left afterwards. Keay tells the most impenetrable bits of this history brilliantly, I loved it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 25, 2024
Paperback edition
This was chosen for my history online book club. Considering it is a well researched, serious work of non fiction, it was an easy read. The author joined the Zoom discussion and spoke like she writes - fluently and clearly. I look forward to her next book.
This was chosen for my history online book club. Considering it is a well researched, serious work of non fiction, it was an easy read. The author joined the Zoom discussion and spoke like she writes - fluently and clearly. I look forward to her next book.
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