This study of the political attitudes of ordinary Londoners during the reign of Charles II examines not only the manifestations of public opinion - for example, riot and demonstration - but also the manner of its formation - religious experience, economic activity, and exposure to mass political propaganda. Professor Harris shows to be misleading the conventional view, that the whigs enjoyed the support of the London masses, and the tories were essentially anti-populist. Both sides had public support during the exclusion crisis, and this division stemmed from fundamental religious tensions...

Part of the "Studies in Modern History" series, this text examines the origins and nature off party politics in England covering the period 1660 to 1715. Looks at the nature of the struggle between Whigs and Tories and the reasons why such rivalries cut so deep into English society at this time.