ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with 1640-60 was entitled 'the transition'. It argues that 'in all the sessions of the Revolution the process of selection was forged in the crucible of political crisis'. That said, two manifestations of popular 'politics' could become vehicles for partisan rancour: the formation of clubs and popular celebrations. Charles II, wary of provoking Parliament, gave no encouragement to predatory projectors and let the law run its course. This does not mean that there was no rural disorder. A view of riot which minimizes the element of conflict is most appropriate to food riots. The revival of tax-riots offers one explanation for the apparently higher level of violence in post-Restoration riots: the relationship of taxpayer to tax collector could easily become adversarial. The pattern for riots associated with particular days is less clear. The elections of Harley and Massey offer a reminder that the popular tide was running in favour of Presbyterians as well as Royalists.
