ABSTRACT
Both Blackwells invested heavily in the land market that Parliament developed from those they defeated to help them fund the war and the New Model. In 1656 Blackwell senior outlined significant debts that probably derived from his and his son’s active roles in the land market and funding of the war effort. Blackwell senior had a role in the administration of land transactions as a Contractor for Land Sales. Between 1647 and 1649 the Blackwells were involved in transactions of land worth at least £9,809. As their purchases developed it was the younger Blackwell who was investing more heavily in the market as a ‘speculator’. The younger Blackwell acted as an agent for others in many of the land transactions linked to him. From his role in the land market for himself and others Blackwell built up further bonds with New Model officers that continued after the re-imposition of monarchy in 1660.
