Putney Debates tea towel

NZ$28.00
100% Organic Cotton
Made in the UK
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  • Sturdy half panama unbleached US cotton (48cm x 70cm)
  • Our special inks mean that colours last in the wash
  • Includes hanging loop
  • Designed and manufactured in the UK
  • Delivery with Royal Mail, free on orders over £35
  • 100-day money back guarantee if you change your mind

On 28th October 1647, a small church in Putney became the home for the first debates about the nature of democracy in England. It was the first known discussion of democracy in Europe since the ancient Greeks. England had been in a civil war for five years following King Charles I's refusal to accept the demands for restrictions to his powers by Parliament. Now, Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army made its headquarters in Putney, south London, with members holding a series of debates to discuss their grievances. They aimed to draw up a new constitution for Britain, the type of the society that they wanted to see emerge from the civil war. Radicals in the debates called for ‘one man, one vote’, the authority of the House of Commons over the King and Lords, biennial parliaments and the reorganisation of constituencies. They declared sacrosanct for all Englishmen ‘freedom of conscience’ ‘freedom from impressment into the armed forces’, and ‘equality before the law.’ All these speeches were taken down and written up later, making them a remarkable source to understand 17th century England a little better. This tea towel is based on contemporary woodcut illustrations of the debates.

Come on, there’s no debating whether you should get this historical gift! 

Half Panama unbleached organic cotton (heavy weight, textured finish). Stitched on all four sides. Includes hanging loop. Measures approximately 48cm x 70cm. Machine wash at 40 degrees centigrade max. We recommend that before you use your tea towel for the first time you wash it at least once to soften up the material and make it more absorbent for drying dishes. Please note size can vary slightly.