BBC History Magazine

Q&A

When did Britain come closest to revolution?

Closest? If we understand revolution as the overthrow of the established political order and its replacement with a new form of government, then England (if not Britain) clearly experienced a revolution in the 1640s and 1650s.

Some historians avoid using the term ‘the English revolution’ to describe the events of 1642–1660. They argue that the label is associated too closely with Marxist models

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from BBC History Magazine

BBC History Magazine8 min read
The Invisible Romans
In AD 61, Pedanius Secundus, prefect of Rome, was murdered by one of his slaves. One story had it that the killer had been denied his freedom after agreeing the price of his liberty with Pedanius. An alternative version of events claimed that he had
BBC History Magazine4 min read
History Cookbook
ELEANOR BARNETT shares her instructions for making sweet biscuits that were originally baked by 16th-century gentlewomen Jumbles, jemelloe, iombles, jambals: these easy-to-make biscuits are a staple of every Tudor recipe book. The name likely comes f
BBC History Magazine3 min read
A Cumbrian Work Of Art
Battle-weary medieval kings, eminent Victorian architects and some of Britain's greatest artistic treasures have all passed below Muncaster Castle's imposing walls during its long and distinguished lifetime. Built from distinctive red stone, and boas

Related Books & Audiobooks