The Sealed Knot was a secret Royalist association which plotted for the Restoration of the Monarchy during the English Interregnum.
Its original founder members were:
- John Belasyse, 1st Baron Belasyse (1614-1689)
- Sir William Compton (1625-1663; third son of Spencer Compton, 2nd Earl of Northampton)
- Henry Hastings, 1st Baron Loughborough (1610-1666)
- Col. John Russell
- Col. Sir Edward Villiers (1620-1689; father of Edward Villiers, 1st Earl of Jersey)
- Sir Richard Willis (sometimes spelt 'Willys') (1613/14-1690)
The Sealed Knot made eight attempts between 1652 and 1659 to bring about the Restoration.
The biggest revolt was staged in 1655 and is known as the Penruddock uprising, named after one of the leaders of the revolt, John Penruddock. The revolt was easily put down by forces loyal to the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, and for his part in the rebellion Penruddock was beheaded in May 1655.
Famous quotes containing the words sealed and/or knot:
“These things are not inscribed in tablets, not sealed in the folds of papyri, but you hear them clearly from the tongue in a free mouth.”
—Aeschylus (525–456 B.C.)
“A fretful temper will divide
The closest knot that may be tied,
By ceaseless sharp corrosion;
A temper passionate and fierce
May suddenly your joys disperse
At one immense explosion.”
—William Cowper (1731–1800)