Thomas Rainsborough

Thomas Rainsborough was a prominent English politician and army officer during the 17th century, particularly known for his role in the English Civil War. He was a key figure among the Levellers, a political movement advocating for popular sovereignty, civil rights, and social equality. Rainsborough is best remembered for his speeches calling for universal suffrage and the rights of the common people. His ideas contributed to the development of democratic thought in England. Sadly, he was killed in 1648 during internal conflicts in the New Model Army, but his legacy influenced subsequent democratic movements.