Colonel Thomas Pride played a crucial role in a pivotal event of the English Civil War: the arrest and exclusion of 140 Members of Parliament in December 1648. The remaining members, known as the Rump, voted to put King Charles I on trial, leading to the unprecedented public execution of a British monarch. While this significant moment, known as "Pride's Purge," is well-documented, Pride's own life has largely been overlooked. This engaging account explores the life of Colonel Thomas Pride, a farmer's son from Somerset who rose to prominence during the Civil Wars, becoming a key figure in the English Commonwealth. Robert Hodkinson's study traces Pride's journey from businessman and brewer to his involvement with London Puritanism, his battlefield experiences, and his ascent to military command amid army mutiny. Despite facing accusations of hypocrisy and self-interest, Pride claimed ownership of a former Royal estate and secured a seat in Oliver Cromwell's House of Lords. This groundbreaking biography reveals how a former apprentice challenged the ruling elite and contributed to the downfall of a monarch, shedding light on a man who has largely been forgotten by history.
Robert Hodkinson Books
