He had a head to contrive, a tongue to persuade, and a hand to execute any mischief.
- Edward Hyde, History of the Rebellion.

Additional Information on
John Hampden (1594-1643)

John Hampden was elected to the House of Commons in 1621, and before long had become associated with the anti-Royalist faction. In 1626 Hampden publicly opposed a loan which King Charles I had authorised himself without parliamentary consent. As a result he was imprisoned during part of the following year, but carried on his opposition to the king's dealings when released. This argument reached a climax in 1637 when in protest, Hampden refused to pay the Ship Tax levied by the king. He was brought to trial, and although he defended himself well, was found guilty.

In a famous case in January 1642, the king attempted to imprison five parliamentary leaders after they issued the Grand Remonstrance - Hampden was one of them. This act precipitated the outbreak of the English Civil War. During this, Hampden served on the Committee of Public Safety. He also raised an army, but was mortally wounded during a battle at Chalgrove Field (Oxford). He died in 1643.

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