Winstanley only references the Diggers that had “begun to dig Upon George Hill in Surrey.” Later in his defense of the Diggers against Ranterism, he makes reference to “we that are called Diggers,” an inclusive phrase with no geographic limiter. One of the most revealing documents, though, about the development of this network is the manifesto of the Digger community in Iver, Buckinghamshire. The community of Iver Diggers were aware that other Diggers had “begun mannuring the Commons in Kent, at Willingborough…in Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire, and in Nottinghamshire.” This effort to manure and cultivate the land was a concerted effort with each community appearing to promise to leave their Children for the rich to deal with “as
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The Diggers, though, engaged in their own print-based attacks against government officials, landowners, and the clergy who they viewed as “oppressors, murtherers, and theeves.” In defending themselves and attacking their antagonists, the Diggers developed a unique set of communal symbols and images utilized in their writings. Apocalyptic language, such as that found in the biblical texts of Daniel and Revelation, became commonly utilized imagery in attacks against opponents. Gerrard Winstanley argued that the tripartite kingdom of England, Scotland, and Ireland was “the tenth part of the City Bablon,” a common metaphor for wickedness and a corrupt nation. Winstanley would even make the argument that the number ‘666,’ the number of the Beast, could be associated with “Kingly Power and Glory,” and later military authority. In defending themselves, the Diggers believed that they were a chosen people, drawing comparisons with the biblical Israelites (who were viewed as God’s chosen people through his covenant). Digger writings include references to the “inslaved English Israelites” and pleas to “let Israel go free,” drawing historical ties with Hebrew captivity in Egypt and subsequently Babylon. These symbols became foundational to Diggers’ understanding of each other as a community and their role in
The Diggers, though, engaged in their own print-based attacks against government officials, landowners, and the clergy who they viewed as “oppressors, murtherers, and theeves.” In defending themselves and attacking their antagonists, the Diggers developed a unique set of communal symbols and images utilized in their writings. Apocalyptic language, such as that found in the biblical texts of Daniel and Revelation, became commonly utilized imagery in attacks against opponents. Gerrard Winstanley argued that the tripartite kingdom of England, Scotland, and Ireland was “the tenth part of the City Bablon,” a common metaphor for wickedness and a corrupt nation. Winstanley would even make the argument that the number ‘666,’ the number of the Beast, could be associated with “Kingly Power and Glory,” and later military authority. In defending themselves, the Diggers believed that they were a chosen people, drawing comparisons with the biblical Israelites (who were viewed as God’s chosen people through his covenant). Digger writings include references to the “inslaved English Israelites” and pleas to “let Israel go free,” drawing historical ties with Hebrew captivity in Egypt and subsequently Babylon. These symbols became foundational to Diggers’ understanding of each other as a community and their role in