The Great Escape of Edward Whalley and William Goffe: Smuggled Through Connecticut

As a young child growing up in Western Massachusetts I was given original copies of Mary P Wells Smith's "Young Puritans" books -- books which originally belonged to my distant cousins. I lived, breathed, and acted out those chapters, and to this day I can vividly recall the illustration of the boy hero "John" on a Sabbath morning errand encountering the frightening "Mysterious Stranger" (Judge Goffe) on the staircase, shortly before the "Stranger" reappeared as the "Angel of Hadley". Later on I learned more about the tale, and the history behind the Regicides and the history of England from which they fled. I therefore welcomed the chance which this book brought to learn more, both about the historical background in England and what is known, surmised, or embellished about the subsequent lives of the fugitives.Mr. Pagliuco is not a professional historian, but clearly a gifted amateur who has researched this subject well and written a book which is accessible both to the serious reader and to the "hobbyist" and/or "local" wanting to learn more about both the background of the "Regicides" and the current state of knowledge about their subsequent life in the colonies. While Goffe's later life and exploits were well-known (and perhaps mythologised) in Smith's day, as the local surroundings changed or were destroyed, interest in the early Puritan era seems to have waned, and the story of the "Angel of Hadley" was debunked. More recently, the "debunking" itself has been criticised on the grounds that the lack of specific detailed accounts of an actual raid is not proof positive that these events did not occur. (My own view is that it is quite likely that there WAS an Indian raid, but on a much smaller scale than the legendary story describes -- possibly just a few marauders -- a scale upon which a single figure like Goffe could really have rallied the surprised and ill-trained locals to act).This book is a well-written description of a piece of New England history which has unfortunately faded from view, as well as containing updates of the current landscape. History is never entirely "finished" -- it is possible that more information may be discovered; perhaps confirming the truth of the "myth" -- even on a more modest scale, as I have suggested. My thanks to Mr. Pagliuco for this account, and may it spur others to not only revisit this history but perhaps uncover further knowlege as well.

I lived in New Haven essentially on the corner of Goffe and Whalley Avenues and could see West Rock from my house.The story of the Two Judges who escaped the Regicide in England and found shelter in New Haven on West Rock in the Judges Cave was well known to all of us Elm Cityites.

In The Great Escape, author Chris Pagliuco provides the first detailed account of two heroes of Puritan New England, Edward Whalley and William Goffe. Their adventure, which at one time was known throughout the country, is carefully documented in a historical narrative that reads smoothly and briskly. Of particular interest is that fact that the lives of Whalley and Goffe provide an interesting way of learning about the larger context of their times, most importantly the English Civil Wars and the founding of the New England colonies. Pagliuco simplifies and clarifies this complex history for a popular audience without sacrificing historical accuracy. In all, a pleasant, fun and informative read

This book is extremely well written and very pleasant to read. The author adds interesting background information for those of us who are not scholars of this era.

Good book

Goffe is my ancestor, so I was happy to find this book. Learning more about what happened with the regicides is quite interesting. It's a lovely little book, full of good information.

I am so proud to have an extended member of my family as the author of this great book! Great work Chris Pagliuco!

Well written. Gave me an understanding of what the English Civil Wars were all abouts and the politics of the early New England Colonies. Quite readable

I read Earl Spencer's book about this period & then looked up information on other books on the same subject - I was particularly interested in these characters. It was really interesting & enjoyable, it even made me want to visit some of the landmarks associated with them. My only regret is that we didn't study and of this at school - I would have been fascinated.

Excellent. How those who fought against the tyrant Charles1st were hunted down in the USA, some were killed. And how (contrary to public belief)vengeful was his son, the waster Charles 11, who even participated in their torture if captured alive.

About time someone wrote this book . Maybe one day Hollywood will do the story justice as it would make a great film.

Very poorly written. Many inaccuracies. Ruined fascinating subject.