Maryland 6: To the edge of war

Listen on: iTunes Subscribe on Android Stitcher and more   The historical record is sparse in the years leading up to the English Civil War in Maryland.  But, there are a few themes which emerge in what we do know:   Catholics vs. Puritans A Catholic named William Lewis found two Puritans (one an indentured servant he managed) Read more about Maryland 6: To the edge of war[…]

Maryland 5: Church and state

Listen on: iTunes Subscribe on Android Stitcher and more   And, America’s first Bill of Rights As Maryland colonists tried to establish the laws which would govern the colony, one of the biggest divisions was the issue of Church and state.  The Jesuits wanted to see a very traditional interpretation of Church privilege, whereas some of the colonists Read more about Maryland 5: Church and state[…]

Maryland 4: The fight for Kent Island

Listen on: iTunes Subscribe on Android Stitcher and more   Struggle for the Chesapeake After a series of violent confrontations between Claiborne’s Kent Islanders and Calvert’s Marylanders, the courts of England take up the case of Baltimore’s patent vs. Claiborne’s trading rights.  Virginia governor Harvey is also deposed and sent to England.  Ultimately, Clobbery and Company sends George Read more about Maryland 4: The fight for Kent Island[…]

Maryland 3: The first year

Listen on: iTunes Subscribe on Android Stitcher and more   Catholicism and conflict in the Chesapeake In many ways, the establishment of Maryland was remarkably smooth.  The settlers had been sent with enough supplies to get through the first growing season, and they established great relations with the local tribes.  They prioritized growing corn, then building the town, Read more about Maryland 3: The first year[…]

Maryland 2: The Ark and Dove

Listen on: iTunes Subscribe on Android Stitcher and more   Baltimore’s charter, Virginia’s reaction, and a rough voyage to America George Calvert’s heir, Cecil Calvert, the Second Baron Baltimore, got a charter to create a semi-feudal palatinate in America in 1632.  This would give his colonists the maximum amount of independence to peacefully establish a Catholic haven. Virginia Read more about Maryland 2: The Ark and Dove[…]

Maryland 1: Henrietta Maria and the Catholics

Listen on: iTunes Subscribe on Android Stitcher and more Conflicting experiences The situation of Catholics as the reign of Charles I began was a complex one.  He worked to reduce their persecution, but that only prompted local officials to treat Catholics even more harshly than they had before.  He had a marriage treaty protecting his wife’s religion, but Read more about Maryland 1: Henrietta Maria and the Catholics[…]