Banbury mutiny facts for kids

The Banbury mutiny was a time when some soldiers in England's main army, called the New Model Army, refused to follow orders. These soldiers had important reasons for their actions, but not all of their goals were met. Sadly, some of their leaders were executed shortly after, on May 17, 1649.

Why the Soldiers Rebelled

The soldiers had two main reasons for their rebellion: they wanted to be paid money they were owed, and they had strong political ideas. The issue of pay was partly solved when Oliver Cromwell, a powerful leader, agreed that the soldiers deserved their money. He helped get £10,000 from Parliament to start paying them back.

However, about 400 horse soldiers, led by Captain William Thompson, had bigger political demands. They supported a group called the Levellers, who wanted more fairness and rights for ordinary people. These soldiers left Banbury, where they were staying, to talk with other army groups in Salisbury about their ideas.

The Army's Response

Major White was sent by Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax, another army leader, to talk with Captain Thompson's troops. He promised that the army would not use force against them.

But on May 13, Cromwell launched a surprise night attack. Some of the rebel soldiers were killed in the small fight. Captain Thompson managed to escape, but he was killed a few days later in another small battle near a community called the Diggers at Wellingborough.

After the mutiny, the remaining rebel soldiers were held in Burford Church. Three other leaders were executed on May 17, 1649: Private John Church, Corporal Perkins, and Cornet James Thompson (who was William Thompson's brother). This event greatly weakened the Levellers' influence within the New Model Army.

Levellers' Day

Since 1975, a special day called Levellers' Day has been held every year in the town of Burford, Oxfordshire. This day remembers the three Levellers who were executed there.

Each year, a different topic is chosen for Levellers' Day. It takes place on the Saturday closest to May 17. In the morning, speakers talk about the chosen topic. This is followed by a parade around the town and a ceremony in the churchyard. In the afternoon, there is usually music and other fun activities in the garden of Warwick Hall, which is next to the church. In 1979, a special plaque honoring the three soldiers was put on the church wall. Tony Benn, a well-known politician, helped to unveil it.

See also

• English Civil War
• Putney Debates
• Corkbush Field mutiny, November 1647
• Bishopsgate mutiny, April 1649

Images for kids

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  Plaque remembering three Levellers executed by Oliver Cromwell in Burford