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Great Staughton and its people by Anthony Withers, Chapter 15

2000 Years of English History.


This book is about the remarkable people from this modest Huntingdonshire village who, over thepast two millennia of England’s history, exercised power and influence both locally and on the national stage. The book gives a detailed biography of each of these characters, setting their lives in the wider context of English history from the time of the Romans to the present day.


An introduction to Chapter 15: 'John Gaule: Preacher of the Word at Great Staughton'


Described as 'an unlearned and wearisome ranter' by a contemporary, John Gaule, vicar of this parish, nevertheless demolished the reputation of the Witch Finder General, Matthew Hopkins, in a series of blistering sermons delivered from the pulpit of St Andrew’s church, Great Staughton. That in itself should have been sufficient to secure his reputation.


And then there is the connection with that amiable rogue Lovejoy …


Feedback is welcome: aw.staughton@gmail.com


NEXT WEEK: Chapter 16: 'Our ideal possession of the Peruvian treasures'

The next chapter of the book will be uploaded to the website on Monday November 28.

Most people will have better things to do during December and the New Year than reading about the vibrant history of our village and its celebrated people, so the next chapter will be uploaded on Monday January 9 2023.


Click the PDF below to read Chapter 15.



John Gaule's pamphlet repudiating the arguments of Matthew Hopkins, Witch Finder General
John Gaule's pamphlet repudiating the arguments of Matthew Hopkins, Witch Finder General

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