Description
Book SynopsisThis is a study of the rule of Cromwell's major-generals over England and Wales during the 1655 and 1656, a period which had a dramatic impact upon contemporaries and has remained a powerful symbol of military rule down to the 21st century.
Trade Review"'A splendid book. It illuminates the whole of the 1650s and Cromwell's complex relationship with the people and culture of the time. A tremendous achievement.' Professor John Morrill, Cambridge University"
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Abbreviations
1. Introduction: Background and historiography
2. The system: Origins and construction
3. The men: Backgrounds, careers and beliefs
4. The helpers: The commissioners for securing the peace of the Commonwealth
5. Old local government and new local government
6. The decimation tax
7. Securing the peace of the Commonwealth
8. The struggle for the Godly Nation
9. The major-generals and the 1656 election
10. Defeat at Westminster and fall from power
11. Conclusion
Postscript: The major-generals' later careers
Bibliography:
Index
Maps and tables
Map 1: The major-generals' associations
Table 1: The major-generals' associations
Table 2: Numbers of parliamentary seats and exclusions in the major-generals' associations
