Great minds of the stuart era

4 min read

Hall of Fame

Too often ignored in favour of their Tudor cousins, the Stuarts are the real forefathers of the modern world!

Isaac Newton

4 January 1643 – 31 March 1727

There are similarities between the beginning of Isaac Newton’s creativity and creativity today, as Newton was able to thrive in the closures of the plague epidemic to work on his ideas in the heart of Lincolnshire. During the Stuart period Newton developed his principle of ‘Universal Gravity’ and theories of gravitation and diffraction, which after being published in his book Principia would shape the maths and science worlds. After European scientists failed to discredit his work, he was established as a leading mind in his field and as one of the fathers of modern science and maths.

APHRA BEHN

1640 – 16 APRIL 1689

A genius with an obscure past makes Aphra Behn an interesting character. A royalist spy during the interregnum turned playwright and poet, Behn explored the role sexuality, gender and ethnicity played in politics and life, giving her a reputation as a literary figure. Her work demonstrated the power that women, and women of colour, possessed. She also strengthened the legitimacy of Charles II, an achievement that also demonstrated her literary skill.

THOMAS HOBBES

5 APRIL 1588 – 4 DECEMBER 1679

Political philosopher Thomas Hobbes’ work on morality and the social contract, inspired by the chaos of the English Civil War and the interregnum, continues to influence the world’s political thought today. As a royalist, Hobbes spent large amounts of time in France in exile where he worked with Rene Descartes, becoming one of the most famous English intellectuals abroad, enhancing England’s position and influence as an intellectual power.

JOHN MILTON

9 DECEMBER 1608 – 8 NOVEMBER 1674

One of the greatest epic poets in English literary history, known for Paradise Lost, John Milton was also a prominent voice against tyranny, and for religious tolerance. His work influenced the American and French Revolutions. This staunchly held opposition to tyranny led him to Republicanism as he supported and later worked in Cromwell’s government. His work and voice continue to be relevant today as it is frequently cited in arguments against modern governmental tyranny.

Margaret Cavendish

(Duchess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

1623 – 1673

After gaining her independence in 1643 by joining the court of Queen Henrietta Maria, Cavendish had an opportunity to try and better her position, and this opportunity came when she married William Cavendish. Through William, Cavendish was introduced to some of the leading minds of Stuart England and Europe and engaged in intellec

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