This thesis is a study of the creation of the English commonwealth from a provincial perspective. It seeks to understand the processes undertaken by the state and populace during the creation of a new and unpopular regime. It examines the impact of the republic on the personnel of local government, and also the impact of the provinces on the creation of the republic. Ultimately, it shows that local government was effective and efficient under the republic. The first chapter assesses changes to the personnel of local government after the revolution, finding that large numbers of men suspected to be hostile to the republic withdrew or were removed from all branches of local government. Chapter two demonstrates that Lancashire's magistrates were still governing the county effectively under the Commonwealth. It also finds that the republic presented godly magistrates with an opportunity to pursue a reformation of manners. The third chapter examines the reorganisation of the county's military forces after 1649, finding that the militia was wholly remodelled. It also assesses the implications of the successful imposition of the Engagement oath within Lancashire. Finally, it considers the consequences for the state of the heavy burden of large numbers of soldiers in Lancashire. Chapter four finds that tax collection was efficient in Lancashire, but that the administration of sequestration in Lancashire was a constantly impeded by local concerns. It considers the uses to which sequestration revenues were put in Lancashire, finding that the money successfully endowed many of Lancashire churches with much improved livings. Chapter five examines the state of the church within the county, finding that the Presbyterian ministers were a constant impediment to the peace of the republic, but were themselves hindered by divisions within their own congregations. The creation of the republic brought to an end the effective running of the Presbyterian classis system created in Lancashire, even though many congregations were using the Presbyterian Directory. The thesis concludes that the republic was governing Lancashire successfully, and that there is no evidence in the county of structural problems that made the collapse of the republic inevitable.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:540983 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Craven, Alexander J. |
| Publisher | University of Manchester |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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