Here is an interesting article on Thomas Paine, who died 200 years ago this week. He was born in Norfolk and moved to America on the advice of Benjamin Franklin. He wrote a pamphlet simply known as "Common Sense" in 1776 which argued for the immediate separation of the American colonies from the "mother country". It was hugely influential and the Declaration of Independence followed soon afterwards. His books "The Rights of Man" and "The Age of Reason" were also very influential, particularly in France. However, he died in obscurity (only 6 people turned up to his funeral) but his reputation has now been restored - he was even quoted in Barack Obama's inauguration speech.
PS: William Cobbett tried to restore Paine's reputation by digging up his body in order to give him a more dignified funeral back in England. Unfortunately his body was lost en route and his final resting place is now unknown.
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