An Arrow Against All Tyrants: With an Introduction by Professor Ian Gadd

In 1646, imprisoned in Newgate Gaol in London, Richard Overton penned a political pamphlet which asserted the inalienable rights of the individual.

'No man has power over my rights and liberties, and I over no man's... For by natural birth all men are equally and alike born to like propriety, liberty and freedom.'

Reprinted here is Overton's bold, declamatory pamphlet, with spellings and layout standardised for a modern audience to aid legibility and understanding. The text is introduced by I...