Social Divisions (Emergence of political & religious radicalism)

July 1645, Parliamentarian victory at Battle of Naseby, last battle of the war took place at Langport - Royalists easily defeated. Rupert expelled from Bristol and City taken back for P. CI was now aware he had to surrender. Gave himself up to the Scots in May 46. 

A number of prominent radicals became influential at the end of the war and many had close links to the army. Radical Puritan and solider Lilburne was imprisoned in 45 for denouncing MPs who continued to live in comfort while soliders died; defended by Walwyn who advocated complete religious freedom and toleration, he collaborated with Overton to organise a petition for Lilburne's release. (see next card for more on Lilburne)

Other Radical Groups: 

• Fifth Monarchists: Millenarian ideas popular, believed that the fifth great empire would come to earth with the return of Jesus, needed to prepare for the 2nd coming. 
• Ranters: Preachers, pamphlets claimed they believed in predestination and so could ignore social morality. Sources were writted by Protestant enemies; trust them? 
• Diggers: Led by Winstanley, scandelous in the eyes of the PN, claimed that ownership of land had no evidence in the Bible to suggest it should be followed. Rural communes for the poor on common land. 

Beliefs: 

Movement emerged in 45, became influential in the aftermath of the CW, developed own plans for a written constitution ('An Agreement of the People'). They demanded: Abolition of the HoL, universal male suffrage, new written constitution, equality and religious freedom. 

Impact: 

Undoubtedly revolutionary, however they did not advocate bringing women into voting and some Levellers suggested those receiving poor relief should not vote. When P imprisoned Lilburne it suggests they were seen as a threat. Beliefs were never popular with the gentry as the implementation of a Leveller political programme would result in them losing their power.