Deliver Us from Evil: The Radical Underground in Britain, 1660-1663

After more than two decades of unprecedented political, social, and religious upheaval, revolutionary thought and activity in Britain continued to thrive even after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. This highly original study, which draws on the reports of both police and informers, follows the radical underground in England from the eve of the Restoration to the collapse of the northern rebellion in 1663. In a tale that winds its way across England and into Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, Greaves examines how radicals remained united in their common animosity to monarchy, prelacy, taxes, and popery. Although ultimately unsuccessful, their conspiracies and rebellions nonetheless fueled the drive for the repression of Nonconformists, prompted the state to cultivate an elaborate network of informers, and heightened the concern for domestic security.