Lilburne, John

views updated

Lilburne, John (1614–57) English republican, leader of the Levellers. Imprisoned (1638–40) under Charles I, he fought for Parliament during the Civil War (1642–45). Captured, he escaped execution by the Royalists when Parliament arranged an exchange of prisoners. Lilburne left the army in 1645, refusing to sign the Solemn League and Covenant. Demanding greater equality and religious freedom, he led protests against the government of Oliver Cromwell. Often imprisoned, he spent his last years among Quakers.

More From encyclopedia.com