Adam Eyre

Adam Eyre (born circa 1625, died 1666) was a Puritan Justice of the Peace in Yorkshire, England during the Interregnum and Restoration periods. He is primarily known for his diary, which provides a valuable first-hand account of life in rural England during a turbulent period of political and religious upheaval.

Eyre's diary chronicles his personal experiences, including his involvement in local government, his religious beliefs, and his family life. It offers insights into the social, economic, and political conditions of the time, revealing the challenges faced by those who sought to maintain order and stability in the wake of the English Civil War. The diary also reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the era, as England transitioned from a republic back to a monarchy.

While Eyre initially supported the Commonwealth, he later accommodated the Restoration of Charles II. His diary provides a nuanced perspective on the complex allegiances and compromises that characterized the period. Eyre's work is of significant interest to historians studying 17th-century England, particularly those focused on local history, Puritanism, and the impact of the Civil War and Restoration on provincial life. He is considered a significant historical figure due to the rarity and value of his written record.