The story of historian Edward Thompson’s recovery of the Muggletonian archive is relatively well-known and has been told before.[1] Yet as we shall see, not only is there much more to add but in several places also aspects that must be modified.[2]
That man, Mr. Noakes sounds like a splendid fellow!
It is interesting how there is a tendency among those who self-consciously adopt a minority position (particularly by going into separation), despite being regarded as radical, at least by some, to travel in what one might call a more conservative direction.
The same is certainly true of some people in the post-reformation English Catholic community.
Yes, he does! And I should add - as gratefully acknowledged in one of the opening footnotes - that several of his family members were extremely helpful in providing me with information for this essay.
And you're absolutely right about the question of whether the Muggletonians should be considered 'radical' - Willie Lamont argued that they were not. While I would certainly disagree in the context of the 1650s, it's a quite different picture in the 20th century.
Interesting comparison with the post-Reformation English Catholic community. We'll have to discuss further!
I am Mr. Noakes granddaughter. I was born just four days before he died but I am sure it is correct that he was a splendid fellow. It is a pleasure to read these posts.
Thank you so much Ruth. I'm so glad you liked these posts.
There will be a third and final part out very soon. Once again, this relied heavily on information generously supplied by members of your family, for which I'm very grateful.
In the future I intend to incorporate updated versions of these posts within a larger project on the Muggletonians.
What a poignant and arcane adventure into a lost past.
Thanks so much Chris, that's greatly appreciated.
That man, Mr. Noakes sounds like a splendid fellow!
It is interesting how there is a tendency among those who self-consciously adopt a minority position (particularly by going into separation), despite being regarded as radical, at least by some, to travel in what one might call a more conservative direction.
The same is certainly true of some people in the post-reformation English Catholic community.
Yes, he does! And I should add - as gratefully acknowledged in one of the opening footnotes - that several of his family members were extremely helpful in providing me with information for this essay.
And you're absolutely right about the question of whether the Muggletonians should be considered 'radical' - Willie Lamont argued that they were not. While I would certainly disagree in the context of the 1650s, it's a quite different picture in the 20th century.
Interesting comparison with the post-Reformation English Catholic community. We'll have to discuss further!
I am Mr. Noakes granddaughter. I was born just four days before he died but I am sure it is correct that he was a splendid fellow. It is a pleasure to read these posts.
Thank you so much Ruth. I'm so glad you liked these posts.
There will be a third and final part out very soon. Once again, this relied heavily on information generously supplied by members of your family, for which I'm very grateful.
In the future I intend to incorporate updated versions of these posts within a larger project on the Muggletonians.
Terrific essay, thank you! I look forward to reading part 3.
Thanks so much Joan! I really appreciate it.