Down with the Crown

In recent years there has been periodic disquiet with monarchy in both Britain and the Commonwealth. Whilst a number of important studies have reappraised the ceremonial surrounding the British royal family, the converse of monarchism - anti-monarchism - has been neglected. For some historians an identifiable current of English republicanism does not exist. This text attempts to fill the gap and to modify assumptions about the historical failure of radicals to contest monarchy effectively by looking at the issue of anti-monarchism in British politics from the French revolution to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. At a time when European integration, devolution in Scotland and Wales, and reform of the House Lords are forcing Britain to take stock of its governing institutions, this text contributes to the debates surrounding the House of Windsor.