An Arrow Against All Tyrants

In 1646, imprisoned in Newgate Gaol in London, Richard Overton penned a political pamphlet which asserted the inalienable rights of the individual.

'No man has power over my rights and liberties, and I over no man's... For by natural birth all men are equally and alike born to like propriety, liberty and freedom.'

Reprinted here is Overton's bold, declamatory pamphlet, with spellings and layout standardised for a modern audience to aid legibility and understanding. The text is introduced by Ian Gadd, Professor of English Literature at Bath Spa University.

In 1646, Richard Overton, a Leveller, penned a political pamphlet which asserted the inalienable rights of the individual, from his cell in Newgate Gaol. Reprinted here is Overton's bold, declamatory pamphlet, with an introduction by Ian Gadd, Professor of English Literature at Bath Spa University.