Edmund Waller was famous in his life time as a talented poet and courtier, and an active politican. He was first cousin to John Hampden and distantly related to Oliver Cromwell. His reputation has been tarnished because of his leading role in 1643 plot to undermine support for Parliament in London and bring a speedy end to the Civil War. Waller was not brought to trial and was allowed to go into exile after paying a massive fine. Two of his fellow plotters were executed.
Waller was allowed to return from exile eary in 1652 probably assisatnce from Cromwell. He sat in several Restoration Parliaments and latterly took his own independent line. He was regarded as one of the best speakers in the House.
The talk will discuss Waller’s connection with Hampden and examine the damage that the “Waller Plot” did to Waller’s reputation.
Please contact Sam Hearn on sam.hearn@btinternet.com if you wish to join this Zoom session.
Sam is the Treasurer of The Society