past horizons10 Bringing these historic debates back to life, the Tower Hamlets Trayned Bandes re- enacted the event as part of the 360th anniversary celebrations held at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Putney, in October 2007. This marked one of the key milestones in the development of parliamentary democracy in England and across the world: the call for a written constitution, universal ( male) suffrage, a regular timetable for parliaments to sit, freedom of conscience and equality before the law - the agenda of the radical political Independents or Leveller movement. The re- enactors set up a soldiers' encampment in the churchyard overlooking the River Thames, and while the regimental goodwives set about cooking food for the assembled company, the menfolk were placed on guard duty, performed drill and a variety of other chores. On the Sunday morning the group was invited by the vicar to join the parishioners and their guests in St. Mary's for morning service. The readings were all associated with the Debates and included Colonel Thomas Rainsborough's poignant words ( below) which have resonated through the centuries: The congregation took communion to the accompaniment of the soldiers, goodwives and children singing period psalms, and singing continued in the churchyard, just as it had 360 years earlier. Later in the afternoon, as the bells of St. Mary's rang out, the regiment provided a guard of honour for civic dignitaries from the House of Commons including the local MP and Black Rod, who arrived in a replica of a seventeenth- century barge. The group aired the main points of the original Putney Debates, with some soldiers espousing the Leveller cause of widening the franchise while others argued for more caution. Throughout the weekend the public wandered freely through the camp, stopping soldiers and civilians to ask about the background to the event and the nature of mid- seventeenth century politics, and also about the weapons, equipment, clothing and even cooking recipes. The actual Debates ended in frustration for the Levellers, and their political manifesto, ' An Agreement of the People', was not adopted by the Army when the Debates concluded in November 1647. Nonetheless, the document contains much that we in the modern world now hold dear and some things that we still only aspire to. The Civil War was to continue until Charles I was defeated again, put on trial in London on 1st January 1649 and executed on the 30th January. It was only in 1867 that full male suffrage was achieved, and female suffrage had to wait until 1928 in the United Kingdom, but the starting point for this and other political rights can be traced back to the Putney Debates. For really I think that the poorest he that is in England hath a life to live, as the greatest he; and therefore truly, sir, I think it's clear, that every man that is to live under a government ought first by his own consent to put himself under that government. Pike charge Debating the issues

11past horizons The Tower Hamlets Trayned Bandes was formed as a re- enactment unit by enthusiasts within the Sealed Knot. The regiment has gone from strength to strength and is regarded as one of the best units in the country. Members are dedicated to the goal of achieving authenticity, in both appearance and drill, while still offering the maximum enjoyment from the experience. Visit the website at: http:// www. traynedbandes. org. uk ? The Levellers represented the aspirations of working people who suffered under the persecution of kings, landowners and the priestly class, and spoke for those who experienced the hardships of poverty and deprivation. They campaigned, first with Cromwell and then against him, for a political and constitutional settlement of the civil war which would embody principles of political freedom, anticipating by a century and a half the ideas of the American and French revolutions. Their ideals and beliefs are still with us today, and the principle of freedom of debate and social justice can be directly traced to this 17th century group. the new model army The New Model Army created by Parliament in 1645 was a military force based on ability rather than on position within society. Cromwell preferred that the men were strong believers and, like himself, many became Puritans. It was not unusual for the men to sing psalms just before going into battle. Find out more The Putney Debates now has a proper monument at St. Mary's Church where there is also a small permanent exhibition inside the nave. More information can be found at: http:// www. putneydebates. com ? Singing hymns Connecting the past to the present was a hugely enjoyable experience for the re- enactors and public alike. Throughout the weekend the churchyard was filled with a large appreciative audience, most of whom stayed for several hours to watch the story unfold, with many returning the following day. It was an important experience for all those that engaged in the occasion, where the reliving and re- telling of the event on the anniversary of the Putney Debates at its original location brought new understanding. Living history displays such as this are extremely valuable, and although this display may have lacked the blood and thunder of loud musketry duels and clashing pikes, it offered an intimacy of contact with the public and the time needed to explain the complex issues of the period. With real people interpreting real lives, the rewards and benefits to those who attended will remain long after the tents have been pulled down and the re- enactors return to their 21st century lives. ? Get Involved