Cromwell's major-generals: Godly government during the English Revolution

by Christopher Durston

The first full-scale study of the rule of Cromwell’s major-generals over England and Wales during 1655 and 1656. This is a period which had a dramatic impact upon contemporaries and has remained a powerful symbol of military rule down to the present day. Contains chapters on the three most important aspects of the major-generals' the collection of the decimation tax; the attempt to improve the security of the regime; and the struggle to build the 'Godly Nation'. Concludes with an investigation of the 1656 election and the major-generals subsequent unexpected fall from power. Fills a major gap in the historiography of Cromwellian England.

Genres: History

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2001

Reviews

[Farah Mendlesohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking for a book on this period for ages. Not sure why this didn't come up. It's a really excellent book that dissects what actually happened in a period that Royalists were quick to dub tyranny. Durston explains clearly who got fined for what, why, and the levels of control it took to make it happen.