We are delighted to welcome

Elizabeth Briggs to talk about

“The Putney Debates”

1647. The English Civil War was seemingly over. Parliament and The New Model Army had defeated the monarchy. Charles I was imprisoned, and a new republic was born. The whole country looked to London and held its breath. What would happen next?

The Levellers – a religious and political sect, and the most influential group in The New Model Army – came forward. They compared the system to ‘a mess of potage’ and produced a series of revolutionary demands: to end rule by King, Bishops and the House of Lords; protect religious differences and extend the vote to free men. One third of all Londoners signed the Levellers’ petition. Cromwell had no choice but to meet with, rather than suppress, them.

The resulting discussion was the Putney Debates, the earliest example in English history of debate for genuine democratic reform. For twelve days, Levellers met with Cromwell and emerging parliamentary leaders in St. Mary’s Church, Putney. Join writer Elizabeth Briggs in conversation at Winchester House Club, where, according to legend, Oliver Cromwell stayed during the Putney Debates to discover this extraordinary chapter in British history and the impact it still has today.

Members £15.00, Guests £20.00 to include a glass of wine.

A Club Supper will be served afterwards for £22.50/head

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MAIN

Chicken Breast in a white wine sauce, with roast potatoes & seasonal vegetables

Spicy cauliflower & halloumi rice (Vegetarian: please pre-order.)

PUDDING

Lemon drizzle sponge pudding