Rota Club

The Rota Club is presented as a republican club founded by Milton and as a point of contrast in the account of the political clubs that followed the Restoration. Its brief mention traces a change in club culture: revolutionary clubs were abolished, and monarchical clubs took their place.

Identity and Historical Context

The passage names the Rota Club as one of the republican clubs that preceded the post-Restoration shift. It does not describe the club’s meetings, membership, or activities, but identifies Milton as its founder. The club’s historical significance in this account lies chiefly in its place within that transition from republican associations to monarchical ones.

Replacement and Narrative Role

The Rota Club is described as having been replaced by the Martinus Scribblerus, founded by Swift. Lord David is named as a member of the latter, not of the Rota Club. This contrast lets the passage place his fashionable club affiliations within a longer history of political sociability, without suggesting that he belonged to the earlier republican club.