Abstract

Charles Davenant (1656–1714) went down in the history of Great Britain not only as a publicist, historian, and statesman, but also as a participant in Anglo-Scottish negotiations on a union treaty in the early 18th century. The purpose of this study is to characterize the theorist’s attitude to the problem of the unification of Great Britain. Until now domestic or foreign historiography has barely touched this topic. The article considers the evolution of the theorist’s attitude to the problem of the Anglo-Scottish Parliamentary Union, and also identifies the main arguments used by Davenant in formulating his position. It also seems important to compare the views of the publicist with his English and Scottish contemporaries’ approach to the problem of the union. On the basis of the analyzed sources, it can be judged that Davenant’s attitude to the issue of the union changed under the influence of the political situation and his own career considerations. In the late 17th century Davenant, who at that time aligned himself with the Tory opposition to the government, was an opponent of the union. However, at the beginning of the next century, he returned to public service and supported the union project. The theorist’s new standpoint was reflected in the text of the Memorial relating to a Union between England and Scotland, written by him on the eve of the conclusion of the union. A comparison of Davenant’s views with the work of his contemporaries suggests that his beliefs generally fit into a certain trend in the British public thought of the early 18th century, which characteristically appealed to the idea of economic feasibility of the Anglo-Scottish association. Не considered it possible to “tie” Scotland to England economically, with intensified trade relations and migration between the north and south of Great Britain, which would strengthen the political unity of the two countries. Davenant’s views were also original, as he believed that the unity of Britain could be ensured not only through economic integration, but also through active print propaganda to the people of both parts of the island.