Note see Appendix — Chapter IV

Page 83.—Cromwell was already known to the government as a supporter of popular rights. The municipal government of the town of Huntingdon, Cromwell’s birthplace, had been vested in a body of bailiffs and burgesses elected annually by the residents. By a new charter this body was changed to a mayor, alderman, and recorder, all elected for life. The people opposed the change, and were supported by Oliver Cromwell, who used some strong language against the new mayor and new recorder. The council was appealed to, and a messenger was despatched to Huntingdon with a warrant for the apprehension of Oliver Cromwell, who, on the 26th Nov., 1630, was brought before the lords of the council. After five days’ detention, the case was gone into, and ‘both sides had a long hearing,’ but it was finally referred to the Lord Privy Seal, the Earl of Manchester, who owned Hinchinbrook in the neighbourhood of Huntingdon, until lately the residence of Sir Oliver Cromwell, the uncle of the future protector. Manchester’s report is as follows: