Engaging with Politicians

Abstract

Harrington’s theory about the relationship between land and political power was mentioned several times in parliamentary debates in February 1659 and used to refute calls for a return to the government of King, Lords, and Commons. Nonetheless, Richard Cromwell’s position as chief magistrate was deemed compatible with Harringtonian theory. Harringtonian arguments were also brought to bear on the various constitutional proposals put forward that year, not least the army idea of a select senate. In addition, it was proposed that a parliamentary committee be established to discuss Harrington’s distinctive solution to the ongoing crisis, and several Harringtonian petitions were delivered to Parliament. While Harrington may not have achieved his aim of getting his model implemented, his ideas were widely discussed during the final year of the interregnum, and he gained some influential converts.