A 'Fifth Monarchy' man, Barebones was admitted freeman of the Leathersellers Company in January 1623. About the same time he became Minister to a congregation which met at his house in Fleet Street, where his preaching attracted large audiences. His leanings were probably Baptist, and he wrote two books in support of infant baptism. Later he joined the sect of Fifth Monarchists, one of various sects to be found during the middle years of ther 17th Century. He seems to have attracted some controversy, as his meetings were often disturbed by riots. In 1641 his house was stormed by a mob and he had to flee for his life. He was summoned by Cromwell in 1653 as MP for London,named derisively theBarebone's Parliament. In 1660 he endeavoured to stop the Restoration.
His conduct drew upon him several royalist attacks. In his Diary, Pepys (a Royalist!) smugly reports occasions when Barebones's windows were broken by his enemies. According to the records of St Andrew's Holborn, Barebones was buried at 'ye ground near ye Artillery', i.e. Bunhill Fields.
His conduct drew upon him several royalist attacks. In his Diary, Pepys (a Royalist!) smugly reports occasions when Barebones's windows were broken by his enemies. According to the records of St Andrew's Holborn, Barebones was buried at 'ye ground near ye Artillery', i.e. Bunhill Fields.
A 'Fifth Monarchy' man, Barebones was admitted freeman of the Leathersellers Company in January 1623. About the same time he became Minister to a congregation which met at his house in Fleet Street, where his preaching attracted large audiences. His leanings were probably Baptist, and he wrote two books in support of infant baptism. Later he joined the sect of Fifth Monarchists, one of various sects to be found during the middle years of ther 17th Century. He seems to have attracted some controversy, as his meetings were often disturbed by riots. In 1641 his house was stormed by a mob and he had to flee for his life. He was summoned by Cromwell in 1653 as MP for London,named derisively theBarebone's Parliament. In 1660 he endeavoured to stop the Restoration.
His conduct drew upon him several royalist attacks. In his Diary, Pepys (a Royalist!) smugly reports occasions when Barebones's windows were broken by his enemies. According to the records of St Andrew's Holborn, Barebones was buried at 'ye ground near ye Artillery', i.e. Bunhill Fields.
His conduct drew upon him several royalist attacks. In his Diary, Pepys (a Royalist!) smugly reports occasions when Barebones's windows were broken by his enemies. According to the records of St Andrew's Holborn, Barebones was buried at 'ye ground near ye Artillery', i.e. Bunhill Fields.
