Brokerage and Networks in London’s Global World: Kinship, Commerce and Communities through the experience of John Blackwell

John Blackwell, a Londoner influenced by Puritanism and his father's merchant interests, played a significant role in Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army. He supported the regicide and profited from the sales of land after the civil wars. After surviving the Restoration, he pursued interests in Ireland, banking, and became governor of Pennsylvania. His son, Lambert Blackwell, also became involved in politics and the South Sea Bubble. The three Blackwells' histories highlight the importance of kinship, the development of the early modern state, and the ownership of the memory of the civil wars by those who fought against Charles I. This book is suitable for specialists, students, and those with a general interest in the period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The life of John Blackwell, a prominent figure in 17th-century England, was intricately shaped by the profound influence of his Puritan parents and the entrepreneurial spirit of his iconoclastic father. Born in 1624, Blackwell grew up in a society deeply rooted in religious conservatism, where the values of piety and moral integrity were highly valued. However, his father's unconventional beliefs and business ventures set him apart from the traditional norms of the time.

Despite his upbringing, Blackwell's father, Richard Blackwell, was a successful merchant who played a significant role in the financial administration of Parliament. His involvement in these affairs not only supported the regicide of King Charles I but also resulted in substantial financial gains for himself and his family. As a result, Blackwell was exposed to the inner workings of government and politics at a young age, gaining valuable insights into the power dynamics of the era.

After the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660, Blackwell continued to pursue his interests in Ireland and banking schemes in London and Massachusetts. His business acumen and strategic thinking allowed him to accumulate wealth and establish himself as a prominent figure in the colonial economy. However, his most significant role came when he was appointed governor of Pennsylvania in 1682.

As governor, Blackwell faced numerous challenges, including the ongoing conflict with Native Americans and the need to establish a stable government in a newly founded colony. Despite these obstacles, Blackwell proved to be an effective leader, implementing policies that promoted economic growth and stability. He also played a key role in developing the infrastructure of the colony, including building roads and canals.

During his time in Pennsylvania, Blackwell also maintained close ties with his family, particularly his son, Lambert Blackwell. Lambert, born in 1654, followed in his father's footsteps and became a successful merchant, financier, and representative of the state in Italy during the wars of William III. He was deeply involved in the South Sea Bubble, a notorious financial scandal that rocked the British economy in the late 17th century.

The linked histories of the three Blackwells, John, Richard, and Lambert, reinforce the importance of kinship and the development of the early modern state centered in an increasingly global London. The ownership of the memory of the civil wars, facilitated by their kin links to Cromwell and John Lambert, architect of Cromwell's Protectorate, by those who fought against Charles I, highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the period.

This essay is suitable for specialists in the area of early modern English, European, and American history, as well as those with a more general interest in the period. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the lives and careers of the three Blackwells, shedding light on their contributions to the political, economic, and social landscape of 17th-century England.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032072289