Elizabeth Poole (prophetess)
Elizabeth Poole (bap.1622?, d. in or around 1668) was a prophetess and writer.[1]
Elizabeth Poole | |
|---|---|
| Born | Elizabeth Poole 1622? England |
| Died | in or after 1668 England |
| Occupation | prophet, writer |
| Language | English |
| Notable works | An Alarum of War, Another Alarum of War |
| Relatives | Robert Poole (father) |
Biography
Around the age of sixteen, she became a follower of William Kiffin (1616-1701) and joined the Particular Baptist sect for a period of about ten years. During the political events in London known as the "Pride's Purge" Poole argued against the execution of King Charles I of England (1600-1649). She played a role as prophet to and mediator between the Council of Officers and Levellers, advising them against regicide. Her delivery of a vision to the council on December 29, 1648 inspired John Lilburne (1614-1657), an English political Leveller, to present a petition A Plea for Common-Right and Freedom arguing for the conversion of the council to a national executive body.[2] She is known for two pamphlets An Alarum of War (1649) and Another Allarum of War (1649) written in defence of her prophecy after the king's execution was passed.
Works
- A Vision: Wherein is Manifested the Disease and Cure of the Kingdome. Being the Summe of what was delivered to the Generall Councel of the Army, Decemb. 29. 1648. London, 1648.
- An Alarum of War, given to the Army, and to their High Court of Justice (so called) by the will of God: revealed in Elizabeth Pooll, sometime a messenger of the Lord to the Generall Councell, concerning the cure of the land, and the manner thereof. London, 1649.
- An[other] Alarum of War, given to the Army, and to their High Court of Justice (so called) by the will of God: revealed in Elizabeth Pooll, sometime a messenger of the Lord to the Generall Councell, concerning the cure of the land, and the manner thereof... London, 1649.
- A Prophesie Touching the Death of King Charles. London, 1649.
References
- "Elizabeth Poole". www.oxforddnb.com. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
- "Poole, Elizabeth (c.1622-c.1668)". Dissenting Women Writers, 1650-1850. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
Sources
- Brod, Manfred. "Politics and prophecy in seventeenth century," Albion, 31 (1999): 395-413.
- Brod, Manfred. Dissent and dissenters in early modern Berkshire. D. Phil. University of Oxford, 2002.
- Font, Carme. Women's prophetic writings in seventeenth century Britain. Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge, 2017.
- Wiseman, Susan. Conspiracy and virtue: women, writing, and politics in seventeenth century England. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.