Green Ribbon Club facts for kids
The Green Ribbon Club was an early political group in London during the 1600s. It was not a formal club like we have today. Instead, it was a group of people who met in taverns and coffeehouses. They gathered to talk about politics and plan actions against the king's court.
The club got its name from the green ribbon its members wore. This ribbon was a symbol used by the Levellers. The Levellers were a group who fought in the English Civil Wars. Wearing the green ribbon showed that the club had strong, radical political ideas.
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Meetings and the Club's Name
The Green Ribbon Club first met at a place called the King's Head Tavern. This tavern was located at Chancery Lane End in London. Because of its meeting place, the club was first known as the King's Head Club.
It seems the club started around 1675. Its members were people who did not like the king's government. They wore a green ribbon on their hats. This ribbon helped them recognize each other, especially if there were arguments in the streets. Around 1679, the club officially changed its name to the Green Ribbon Club. The King's Head Tavern was near Fleet Street and Chancery Lane.
Who Were the Members?
The people who went to the Green Ribbon Club were part of a political group called the Country Party. These members often supported figures like Titus Oates. They were also involved in political events such as the Rye House Plot and Monmouth's rebellion.
According to some writers of the time, the club welcomed new people. They especially wanted to attract young men who had just moved to London. The goal was to convince them to join their political ideas. Members often discussed their plans and ideas over drinks.
Many important people were linked to the Green Ribbon Club. These included the Duke of Monmouth himself. Famous statesmen like Lord Shaftesbury and Halifax were also said to visit. Even some relatives of Oliver Cromwell, a key figure from the English Civil War, were members. The club brought together people from many different backgrounds.
What Did the Club Do?
The Green Ribbon Club was a main center for the Whig opposition. The Whigs were a political group who disagreed with the king's court. Club members actively planned and spread their political messages.
The club served as a place for debates and for gathering information. Members would discuss topics that were being talked about in Parliament. They would share the latest news from Westminster or the city. People were always coming and going, bringing and taking news and stories.
The club was also a place where rumors about the court or the Tories (another political group) were created. These stories were then spread around London. The members also worked together to push for the Exclusion Bill. This bill aimed to prevent the king's Catholic brother, James, from becoming king. They also supported the Duke of Monmouth's claim to the throne.
The Green Ribbon Club was very good at organizing political actions. For example, in 1679, they managed a big movement where people signed petitions. The club prepared these petitions in London. Then, they sent them to different parts of the country. People were paid to go from house to house to collect signatures.
The club also organized large public events. These included the "pope-burning processions" in 1680 and 1681. These events happened on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's coronation. They ended with a huge bonfire in front of the club's windows. These events helped stir up strong feelings among the public. It was at the Green Ribbon Club that the word "mob" was first used to describe a large, excited crowd.
Why the Club Declined
The Green Ribbon Club's influence began to fade quickly. One major reason was the failure of the Exclusion Bill. This bill was a very important project for the club's members.
Other events also weakened the club. Lord Shaftesbury, a key leader, had to leave the country. The city of London's special rights were taken away. Also, the discovery of the Rye House Plot hurt the club. Many of its members were involved in this plot.
By 1685, the club was no longer active. One former member, John Ayloffe, faced serious consequences in front of the tavern where the club used to meet. Even though the King's Head Tavern stayed open for some time, the Green Ribbon Club itself did not continue after James II became king.
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