Rowe, Violet A. (1965) The political and administrative career of Sir Henry Vane the Younger 1640 to April 1653.
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This thesis covers the period (1640-53) of Vane's significant political activity in England. It examines his work as administrator -a neglected aspect of his career. The fluctuating fortunes and membership of the group led by Vane and St. John are traced; its struggle with Holies's group was reflected in the use made of the Committee of Both Kingdoms to deprive parliament as a whole of authority. Vane's mastery of parliamentary tactics was often demonstrated, for instance in the Self-Denying Ordinance, which had important political purposes. His support of religious toleration in England, Ireland and America contrasts strongly with his harsh attitude to political opposition. By December 1646 Holles's group dominated the Commons, and Vane virtually boycotted parliament for some months. Though always aware of the dangers of military control, he was at one with some Army leaders, though not with the Levellers, on many issues, and when the Army intervened in 1647 he returned to the House. His administrative gifts were shown by his work on the Committee of Both Kingdoms, and as Navy Treasurer; the financial rewards of the latter office were considerable from 1645 onwards. His withdrawal from public affairs in January 1649 was followed by a period of extraordinary activity, in which Vane was the architect of the Union with Scotland, the abortive Union with Holland, and above all, the Commonwealth Navy, though he did not neglect the interests of his constituency, his family or himself. He probably opposed the Dutch War at first, but in December 1652 he wrested from a reluctant parliament authority for an Admiralty Commission, whose new policy bore fruit in Blake's victory off Portland. By this time Vane was politically isolated, and at odds with Hesilrige and Marten; friction with Cromwell on naval policy was followed by the dismissal of the Rump.
This is a Accepted version This version's date is: 1965 This item is not peer reviewed
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