Open AccessThe harassment of Isaac Allen: puritanism, parochial politics and Prestwich's troubles during the first English civil war
Author(s) -
Mawdesley James
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
historical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.203
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 1468-2281
pISSN - 0950-3471
DOI - 10.1111/1468-2281.12056
Subject(s) - royalist , allegiance , politics , spanish civil war , history , order (exchange) , law , religious studies , classics , political science , philosophy , finance , economics
Abstract This article traces the politics surrounding the ejection of Isaac Allen as rector of Prestwich in Lancashire during the mid sixteen‐forties. The political crises of the late sixteen‐thirties and the early sixteen‐forties, combined with local difficulties, led to strained relations between Allen, a ‘moderate’ puritan, and some lay puritans within the parish. During the first English civil war, these opponents attempted to secure the rector's removal on the basis of accusations of royalist allegiance. The article examines Allen's reactions to these allegations, as he portrayed himself as a clergyman who craved peace and order.