Rainsborough, Edward

Edward Rainsborough was a 17th-century English politician and soldier known for his advocacy of democratic principles during the English Civil War. As a member of the Levellers—a political movement promoting equality and democratic reforms—he emphasized the importance of broader participation in government and the rights of common people. Rainsborough believed that sovereignty should lie with the people, not just the monarchy or Parliament. He played a significant role in advocating for fairer representation and the protection of individual rights during a turbulent period of English history.