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 was tarnished because of his leading role in 1643 plot designed to bring a speedy end to the Civil War by undermining support for Parliament in London. Waller was imprisoned in the Tower of London but not brought to trial, and after paying a massive fine was eventually allowed to go into exile. Two of his fellow plotters were executed.
Waller was allowed to return from exile early in 1652 probably with the assistance of Oliver 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 part in the plot named after him, the damage this did to his reputation, and his Hampden connections.
Please contact Sam Hearn on sam.hearn@btinternet.com if you wish to join this Zoom session.
The link to click on is Edmund Waller “Strength through Weakness”
Sam is the Treasurer of The Society