Two local men, George Savile and John Tillotson, survived the hysteria and vindictive years of England in the 1680s. As the drama unfolded, they struggled to maintain their views, their positions and loyalty to their friends, not always successfully and not without raising doubts about their own motives. Ultimately, they played central roles in securing a new foundation after the revolution, but they paid a price for their moderation.
Mike Crawford was born in Halifax, and grew up in Midgley and Luddenden. He lived in Hebden Bridge for 30 years, teaching history at local schools before moving across the border to Lancashire. Formerly a member of the committee of HBLHS, he has worked on the transcription of 17th century probate documents from local townships, and with Stella Richardson, edited the Society’s books of probate records.