Edmund Chillenden facts for kids

Edmund Chillenden was an English soldier and writer who lived from about 1631 to 1678. He was known for speaking his mind and writing about his ideas. At different times, he supported groups called the Levellers and the Fifth Monarchists. These groups had strong beliefs about how society and government should work.

Life of Edmund Chillenden

Edmund Chillenden was involved in important events during the 1600s in England. He was a person who believed strongly in his ideas and worked to share them.

Early Life and Arrest

In January 1641, Chillenden was arrested in London. He was with about 60 other people at a religious meeting. Later, in 1642, he became a prisoner of war. He was held in Oxford Castle. While imprisoned, he wrote a short book, called a pamphlet. This pamphlet described the very difficult conditions he faced in prison.

Soldier and Activist

Chillenden became an officer in the New Model Army. This was the main army of the Parliament during the English Civil War. In 1646, he was a Lieutenant. He also worked as an intelligence officer in a part of the army called Whalley's Regiment.

In 1647, he joined the army's General Council. This council helped make important decisions for the army. Chillenden was a strong supporter of the Levellers. This group believed that all people should have equal rights and a say in their government.

Edmund Chillenden was part of a group of people who wanted to spread their ideas. They used printed materials like pamphlets to share their messages. Other members of this group included John Lilburne and Samuel Richardson.

Writings of Edmund Chillenden

Edmund Chillenden wrote several books and pamphlets to share his political and religious ideas.

Preaching without Ordination

In 1647, he published a work called Preaching without Ordination. This book discussed the idea that people could preach even if they had not been officially appointed by a church. Other writers, like Lazarus Seaman, wrote replies to Chillenden's book.

Nathan's Parable

He also published Nathan's Parable in 1653. This book included a letter written to Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was a very powerful leader in England at that time.

A True Relation

In 1659, Chillenden wrote A true relation of the state of the case between the ever-honourable Parliament and the officers of the Army. In this writing, he criticized the army's actions. The army had removed the Rump Parliament, which was a part of the English government.