Oliver Fu**ing Cromwell

As I mentioned in an earlier post those who rule over us have constantly tried to control both when we think and what we say and Oliver Cromwell, a Puritan was no different. During the years known as the Interregnum when he ruled without Parliament he brought out a set of rules he hoped would stop people swearing, he might as well have tried to stop it getting dark at night. 

Anyone using profane language shall be punished according to their station.

30 shillings for a Lord

20 shillings for a Baronet or Knight

6 shillings 8 pence for a Gentleman

3 shillings 4 pence for all inferiors

Failure to pay will result in three hours in the stocks or a whipping if under the age of 12yrs

Anyone found guilty of using profane language for a tenth time shall be adjudged a 'Common Swearer and Cursor' and their goods and chattels seized and sold.

Interregnum 1649 - 1660