John Lilburne
(1614?-1657), Political agitatorSitter in 18 portraits
Political agitator and pamphleter; the leading spirit of the Levellers.
by Unknown artist
silver medal, 1649
NPG 5765
possibly by Wenceslaus Hollar
etching, mid 17th century
NPG D27909
possibly by Wenceslaus Hollar
etching, mid 17th century
NPG D27920
after Unknown artist
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D28981
by George Glover
line engraving, published 1641
NPG D10576
after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1649
NPG D28980
by George Glover
line engraving, published 1659
NPG D27921
by Michael Vandergucht
line engraving, published 1713
NPG D27917
by Michael Vandergucht
line engraving, 1713
NPG D28982
by Michael Vandergucht
line engraving, published 1713
NPG D5078
by Michael Vandergucht
line engraving, published 1713
NPG D5079
by Michael Vandergucht
line engraving, published 1713
NPG D18873
after Unknown artist
etching and line engraving, late 18th to early 19th century
NPG D28984
by Richard Cooper, after Unknown artist
stipple engraving, late 18th-early 19th century (1649)
NPG D9325
by R. Cooper
stipple engraving, early 19th century
NPG D28979
by R. Cooper, published by James Caulfield
stipple engraving, published 1810
NPG D27918
by R. Cooper, published by James Caulfield
stipple engraving, published 1810
NPG D27919
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Laurie Pettitt
22 March 2017, 21:07
I've met a few people like John Lilburn. Red hot Socialists wanting a complete redistribution of wealth, except theirs. Lilburn made a fortune, writing scurrilous and seditious pamphlets against anyone he thought to be in power. When he was imprisoned, he had 'Rooms' not a cell. He could afford decent food and he could entertain friends; unlike his followers whose accommodation was less salubrious.
It was said that if John Lilburn were imprisoned in a room, the John would fight the Lilburn and the Lilburn would fight the John. I don't know how they managed to stop him ranting, but he ended his life as a Quaker. If there is a God and a Heaven, I bet God hides when he sees Lilburn approaching.