The Rump Parliament (49-53)

Failure of Radical Groups

Levellers and Diggers etc. expected toletartion but gained little.

Toleration Act (50) removed requirement to attend church as long as they took part in service each week = penalised for their beliefs to not attend.
Nothing done to remove tithes - April 52 R declare collection continues = pay for church they do not attend.
Blashpemy Act (50) aimed at restricting radical sects = serve penalities.
Rump's actions made groups short lived (except Quakers and Baptisits)
Church courts abolished = offences punished in the secular court system. Adultrey Act (50) imposed the death penalty (though rarely used)
Censorship of material = limited radical pamphelts
Gov newspaper (Mercuruis Politicus) defended the Rump's actions.
Act passed enforcing the Sabbath as a holy day = excluding groups that didn't follow this.
Act for Propagation of gospel = controlled appointment of the clergy.

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Law required attendance at Church in Tol Act repealed = RE Freedom. *
Act ending imprisonment for debt in 49.
Navigation Act stated goods had to be carried on English ships; designed to improve trade.
Army success in Ireland and Scotland and supressing Leveller threats (Burford in May 49 several leaders shot)
English used in legal proceedings made law accessible.
Hale Commission in Dec 51 was tasked with investigating legal reforms.
Hale Comm saw reccomendations rejected. *
Shortfall in tax revenue due to standing army. They resorted to the sale of crown lands but debt was at £700,00 in 53.
Greater gentry and nobility refused to co-operate leaving lesser gentry in charge.
Rate of reform slowed.
In order to pay for warships monthly assesment was raised to £90,000, the assesment now raised as much money as CI's entire annual income.
As time passed the Rump appeared selfish amd corrupt, failed to dissolve itself despite promises.

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