the leader of the Levellers. He was gaoled for smuggling Puritan pamphlets into England in 1638. Released by the Long Parliament, he fought as a Roundhead in the English Civil War, rising to the position of lieutenant‐colonel, but resigned in 1645 in opposition to the Solemn League and Covenant. “Freeborn John” always spoke and wrote about the rights of the people, rather than those of kings or parliaments. He attacked in turn all constituted authorities, and suffered frequent imprisonment for his opinions. He became a member of the Quakers shortly before he died.