Main content

The Life and Life of Richard Baxter

Professor Tom Charlton explores the thoughts and life of Richard Baxter - pamphleteer, preacher and troublemaker at the heart of England's upheaval amid Civil War and Restoration.

Professor Tom Charlton explores the thoughts and life of Richard Baxter. Pamphleteer, preacher and troublemaker at the heart of England's upheaval amidst Civil War and Restoration. Tried for subverting the government in 1685, Baxter's life had been turned upside down by Civil War, Regicide and the topsy turvy Restoration. His own exhaustive but partial account of his life is a key source for anyone trying to understand the religious and political dilemmas facing the generation who challenged the idea of monarchy and argued for many of the freedoms enshrined in the new democracy to come. Baxter was the essence of non-conformity. At odds with Cromwell yet supporter of his son Richard, precisely at the moment when the monarchy was about to be restored. His dreams of a Holy Commonwealth set him at odds with those forces returned to power by the Restoration. Tom Charlton is one of a new generation of scholars seeking to interpret the life and deeds of one of the 17th century's most important figures.

Available now

22 minutes

Last on

Sun 15 Nov 2015 19:08

Broadcast

  • Sun 15 Nov 2015 19:08

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh explore the puzzle of Beethoven’s poor health.

Classical music in a strongman's Russia – has anything changed since Stalin's day?

What composer Gabriel Prokofiev and I found in Putin's Moscow...

Six Secret Smuggled Books

Six classic works of literature we wouldn't have read if they hadn't been smuggled...

Grid

Seven images inspired by the grid

World Music collector, Sir David Attenborough

The field recordings Attenborough of music performances around the world.