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This episode is about a radically democratic political movement in Maryland in the 1650s. Veterans of the New Model Army, many of whom had been swimming in political movements like the Levellers, came to Maryland and joined with other Protestants chafing under Catholic and aristocratic rule. Blood would be shed at the Battle of the Severn, and in the aftermath Lord Baltimore would install a man named Josias Fendall as the fourth governor of his proprietary colony. Fendall, it would turn out, decided he agreed with the populists, and led a legislative revolution that, for a time, would make Maryland the most politically radical government, other than in Rhode Island, anywhere in the English world.
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Primary reference for this episode
Noeleen McIlvenna, Early American Rebels: Pursuing Democracy from Maryland to Carolina, 1640-1700 (Commission earned)
Hello Jack,
Here’s a pat on the back for your entertaining podcast. It is in-depth enough to learn some new facts and condescended enough to drill down from the “big events”.
Your podcast found me when I searched for Maryland history. I appreciate your people’s history plus personal commentary.
You recommended the Noeleen McIlvenna book which I will read as my colonial MD /VA ancestors participated in Ingle’s Rebellion, Fendall’s Rebellion, and Bacon’s Rebellion. I am uncertain about Culpeper’s Rebellion and Parson Waugh’s Tumult but will now research it. (BTW when I clicked on the book link it did not open a new tab. In other words, it took me off your website.)
I am re-listening to this episode as I need to figure out a genealogist, John Walton’s comment about my Catholic burgess ancestor, Dr. Thomas Gerard’s “unexplained participation”, “…”To the 3500 acres that lay across the Potomac in Westmoreland County he retreated after his unexplained participation in Josias Fendall’s rebellion in 1660…” (Source: Maryland Genealogies Vol 1 1973). But then he received a pardon, his lands were restored and he was again a Council member under Gov Fendall after the “Puritan Uprising” 1654-1655. I hope this episode helps me understand the context better.
Thank you for work.
EVA