Civil War, Interregnum and Restoration in Gloucestershire, 1640-1672

Book excerpt: Dr Warmington's examination of the impact of the Civil War in Gloucestershire begins with the descent into war between 1640 and 1642, showing how the two sides formed and why the Parliamentarians had the more durable war machine. He then goes on to consider the anarchic situation between 1645 and 1649, and the series of new experiments in government which followed until 1660. The book demonstrates how the war created an almost entirely new governing group of minor gentlemen, based on military service to the regime and religious affiliations, looks at the vexed question of the cultural dimensions of popular allegiance in the period, and examines popular activity (or lack of it) in Gloucestershire's distinct regions of Vale, Wold and Forest during the Civil War. The attempted rebellion of 1659 is examined in detail.