Paying tribute to the Levellers

Before last Saturday I had never heard of Cornet Thompson, Corporal Perkins, and Private Church. I was loosely aware of the organisation they belonged to, ‘The levellers’ but with no great detail.

This weekend I not only got know the three men much better, but also was an honoured guest to lay a wreath at the spot where the three men were executed on that day 17th May 1649 because they believed in a democracy that gave all people throughout the UK a political voice.

To my surprise about 400 people from all walks of life attended the anniversary in the picturesque village Burford, Oxfordshire which also happens to be the Prime Minister David Cameron's constituency.

The story has it that Oliver Cromwell sought to crush the rebellion which demanded ‘in the name of God that power should be given to all people’. The group, and in particularly the executed individuals demanded greater democracy and refused to join Cromwell’s army and slaughter the Catholics of Ireland. The three men seen as the ring leaders were shot by a firing squad. Historians tell of the men’s bravery refusing the blindfold and asking their executioners to fire straight.

The anniversary event which included a march through the village and a discussion about inclusive politics in the 21st century, was organised by the Communication Workers Union. (CWU). I informed the debate that there are many others who have followed in the tradition of great sacrifice including the ultimate sacrifice. I included in that list the mixed heritage Briton William Cuffay who was a leading Charterist in 1848, and of course Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.

And whilst the vast majority of us will thankfully never be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice , I argued that we can follow in their footsteps in acting upon what we strongly believe in: a society that confronts and tackles social and racial inequalities.

In our small but humble actions, we are not only paying tribute to Thompson, Perkins, Church and many others throughout history who’ve died so that otheers might live better, but also to ourselves as active citizens playing our role.

Simon Woolley