Earl of Shaftesbury Flees to Amsterdam in 1682

Name: Earl of Shaftesbury Flees to Amsterdam in 1682
Start: 1621-12-02
Location: Unspecified

The Flight of the Earl of Shaftesbury

Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury's Motivations

In 1682, following the collapse of his schemes to thwart a potential Catholic succession to the English throne, Anthony Ashley Cooper, the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, found himself in a precarious situation. His attempts were deeply rooted in the political and religious tensions of the time, particularly regarding the succession of King Charles II, who had no legitimate heirs. As a leading figure in the Whig party, Shaftesbury staunchly opposed the pro-Catholic policies of Charles and feared the ascension of his brother, James, Duke of York, who was openly Catholic.

The Political Climate Leading to the Flight

The late 1670s and early 1680s in England were marked by fierce political rivalries and religious strife. Shaftesbury’s political maneuverings were aimed at preserving the Protestant establishment and countering the influence of Catholicism. As his plots unraveled, particularly after the revelation of the Popish Plot, the situation became increasingly dangerous for him. The atmosphere was fraught with suspicion and hostility towards those perceived as enemies of the Crown.

Life in Exile: Shaftesbury's Departure for Amsterdam

The Decision to Flee

The decision to flee to Amsterdam was a pivotal moment for Shaftesbury. As tensions escalated and his safety was compromised, he recognized that remaining in England could lead to arrest and possibly execution. In June 1682, he made the journey to Amsterdam, seeking refuge among the relatively tolerant and liberal Dutch Republic, which offered a safe haven for political exiles.

Shaftesbury’s Legacy and Return

Shaftesbury's exile did not mark the end of his political influence; rather, it was an extension of his struggle against perceived tyranny. He continued to engage in political discourse via correspondence while in exile. Shaftesbury eventually returned to England in 1683, but by then, his health was failing, and he would die in 1683. His aspirations and struggles for a more equitable government system would leave a lasting legacy in English political history.

Fun Fact

Shaftesbury’s Interesting Fact

Did you know that Anthony Ashley Cooper was instrumental in the formation of the early Whig party? His political efforts laid the groundwork for future political movements striving toward democratic reforms.