Sir Roger L'Estrange Quotes

A collection of quotes by Sir Roger L'Estrange.

Sir Roger L'Estrange (1616-1704) was an English pamphleteer, journalist, and politician, best known for his role as a staunch defender of the monarchy during the turbulent times of the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution. Born in Hunstanton, Norfolk, he received a comprehensive education at Queens' College, Cambridge before embarking on a career in journalism.

L'Estrange was a prominent Royalist and aligned himself with the Crown during the Civil War, working as a propagandist for King Charles I. However, following the Monarch's execution, he became a vocal supporter of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth, eventually securing a position as the licenser of the press. L'Estrange was responsible for censoring publications that criticized the government, earning him a reputation as a strict regulator of the press.

However, with the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, L'Estrange's loyalty shifted back to the monarchy. He became a member of Parliament and resumed his defense of the Crown, using his position to attack those who were critical or disloyal to the King. L'Estrange's contributions to journalism continued as he established two newspapers, The Public Intelligencer and The Observator, which served as important mediums for disseminating political and literary content.

Sir Roger L'Estrange's influence extended beyond the realm of journalism, as he also translated classical works, including texts by Aesop and Seneca, thereby introducing these important pieces to the English-speaking world. His writings and political activities firmly established him as a controversial and influential figure in Restoration England.