The lives of MPs during one of the most turbulent periods in Parliament's history are the theme of several books donated to the Hive which shed light on the English Civil War.
In a ceremony at the Commandery in Worcester on Friday, The Battle of Worcester Society donated the important volumes to the Hive.
Entitled The History of Parliament: The House of Commons 1640-1660, the nine-volume set is edited by the distinguished historian, Dr Stephen Roberts.
The donation by the society builds on the foundation of an earlier donation, also to the Hive, intended to promote understanding of this time of political upheaval, considered instrumental to the evolution of democracy in Britain and beyond.
In 2024, the society donated books worth £1,000 to The Hive, ensuring that scholars, students, and local history enthusiasts could access important resources on the English Civil War.
The monumental work, comprising over 8,000 pages, presents 1,800 biographies of MPs who served during one of the most turbulent periods in our nation’s history.
Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, said: "Think of it as the ultimate Parliament tell-all, revealing the inner workings and personal dramas of the time.
"It offers fresh insights into the political struggles, military conflicts, and personal dramas that shaped the outcome of the English Civil War, culminating in the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Dr. Roberts’ tireless dedication and meticulous scholarship have created a resource that will be invaluable to historians, researchers, and anyone with a passion for understanding this defining chapter of British history.
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"We were delighted to welcome Dr. Roberts for a talk at The Commandery earlier this year, where he captivated audiences with his knowledge and expertise. It is only fitting that his outstanding contribution to historical research is made widely available through today’s donation.
"This donation would not have been possible without the ongoing enthusiasm and dedication of the Battle of Worcester Society’s members and supporters. We extend our deepest thanks to all involved in making this possible, as well as to The Hive for their continued collaboration in preserving and sharing our history.
May these books inspire curiosity, debate, and a deeper understanding of the past for generations to come."
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