A museum will mark 375 years since democratic ideas were first discussed in the wake of the British Civil War with a new exhibition. 

The Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon is holding a display called ‘All People One: The Levellers’. 

Stuart Orme, curator of the Cromwell Museum, said: "For many people, the Leveller movement was a step on the creation of the democracy we enjoy today.” 

Ordinary people, known as ‘Levellers’ to some, proposed ideas at the Putney Debates where in November 1647, a group of men discussed the future of the government after the Civil War. 

The meeting, chaired by Oliver Cromwell and held at St Mary’s Church in Putney, allowed ideas from ‘Levellers’ such as all men being able to have the vote. 

The Hunts Post: A replica of a 17th century printing press to demonstrate how pages were created for the Levellers’ radical pamphlets. A replica of a 17th century printing press to demonstrate how pages were created for the Levellers’ radical pamphlets.  (Image: The Cromwell Museum)

On December 10 and 11, members of the Past Times Living History Group will bring in a replica of a 17th century printing press to demonstrate how pages were created for the Levellers’ radical pamphlets. 

This includes their manifesto named ‘Agreement of the People’, linked to an early push for democracy, which will be produced in a recreation of a 17th century printers’ workshop.  

The two-day ‘Political Printing’ event will coincide with the current ‘All People One: The Levellers’ exhibition, telling the story of the Levellers, their rise, fall and long-term impact. 

“Although the vote was not extended to all adults for another 200 years after the Debates, the idea was first considered by these 17th century thinkers, who spread their ideas by printed pamphlets,” said Stuart. 

“Our new exhibit and event will bring these important events to life for visitors.” 

Visitors are also able to take away a souvenir page from the pamphlets at the exhibition. 

The ‘Political Printing’ workshop event runs from 10.30am until 4pm on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday December 11 in Huntingdon Town Hall, 53 High Street, PE29 3AQ. 

Admission for this event is free of charge. 

Meanwhile, the ‘All People One: The Levellers’ exhibition will run at the Cromwell Museum, Grammar School Walk, Huntingdon, PE29 3LF between 11am and 4pm until April 2. 

Admission is free. 

For more information on the exhibits, visit the Cromwell Museum’s website at: https://www.cromwellmuseum.org/ or follow its social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.