‘A last Visitor for Mr Hugh Peter’ Screening

A rare chance to see the iconic 1981 BBC Playhouse drama, written and directed by Don Taylor. It tells the story of the last night of Hugh Peter, Cromwell’s preacher, looking back on his life and beliefs before he was due to be executed as a regicide. The drama starred Peter Vaughan (known for Porridge and Game of Thrones) in the title role.

Hugh Peter was one of the radical Puritan figures of the Civil War. Originally from Cornwall, he studied at Cambridge then travelled in Europe and in America in the New England colony whilst in his 30s. He spent time in Boston and Salem, and was involved with teh foundation of Harvard University. Travelling back to England on the eve of Civil War, he became a preacher in the New Modelled Army. and accompanied Cromwell on his later campaigns. He preached for the trial and execution of Charles I; it was rumoured he was the executioner's assistant! He served throughout the republic and preached at Cromwell's funeral. After the Restoration he was arrested, condemned and executed as a regicide.

The drama will be introduced by historian John Rees, well known for his writings on the radical politics of this period.