English Civil War
The English Civil Wars (1642-1651) were a series of conflicts between the monarchy and Parliament, culminating in the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.
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King Charles I married Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry IV of France at St Augustine’s Church, Canterbury, Kent. The marriage was controversial due to her Catholic faith.
Parliament moved to have Charles' chief minister, George Villiers, dismissed due to his failed mission to Cadiz and suspected support for the French against the Protestants.
Parliament presented the Petition of Right to King Charles I to protect subjects from unauthorized taxation, which the King reluctantly signed.
George Villiers, the chief minister of Charles I, was stabbed to death by naval lieutenant John Felton.
In 1629, the Petition of Right was presented to King Charles I by Parliament, outlining specific civil liberties and challenging the king's absolute authority.
In 1633, Archbishop Laud was appointed to the position, exerting significant influence over religious matters in England.
In 1634, the first levy of ship money was imposed by King Charles I, leading to tensions and resistance among the population.
In 1636, John Hampden's refusal to pay ship money to Charles I marked the beginning of a campaign against the king's financial policies, gaining support and contributing to the growing opposition to the monarchy.
In 1637, King Charles I emerged victorious in the Ship Money Case, with a majority of judges ruling in his favor, solidifying his authority to levy taxes without Parliament's approval.
In 1638, England entered an eleven-year period without a parliament, as King Charles I ruled without calling for parliamentary sessions, leading to increased tensions and discontent among the people.
The Bishops' Wars were a series of conflicts between the Presbyterian Covenanters and the Anglican bishops in Scotland, which ultimately led to the outbreak of the English Civil War.
The Short Parliament was convened by King Charles I of England but was quickly dissolved due to disagreements over taxation and other issues.
King Charles I dissolved the Short Parliament after a short period of time due to disputes over taxation and other matters.
After military defeats, King Charles I was compelled to sign the Treaty of Ripon, which ended the First Bishops' War and required him to pay the Scottish Covenanters a large sum of money.
A new parliament, known as the Long Parliament, convened at Westminster on November 3, 1640. It unexpectedly lasted for the next 20 years and played a crucial role in the impeachment and execution of the Earl of Strafford.
The Root and Branch Petition was a document calling for the abolition of episcopacy in the Church of England, submitted to the Long Parliament by Puritan reformers.
After a lengthy trial orchestrated by various factions, including Protestants and Catholics from Ireland, Scottish Covenanters, and English opponents of the king, the Earl of Strafford was executed on May 12, 1641. His removal had significant implications for the political landscape of the time.
On November 23, 1641, Parliament approved the Grand Remonstrance, which criticized the rule of Charles I of England.
The Grand Remonstrance, formally presented to Charles I of England on December 1, 1641, outlined Parliament's grievances against the king's rule.
In 1642, the Theatres around London were closed by Parliament.
On January 4, 1642, King Charles I unsuccessfully tries to personally arrest five members of the Parliament on the House of Commons floor.
On February 5, 1642, the Bishops Exclusion Act is passed by the Long Parliament, excluding bishops of the Church of England from the House of Lords.
On February 23, 1642, Henrietta Maria, along with Princess Mary and the crown jewels, travels to the Netherlands.
The Long Parliament passes the Militia Ordinance on March 5, 1642, granting authority over the militia to Parliament rather than the King.
On 15th March 1642, the Long Parliament declared that the people were obligated to follow the Ordinance for the Militia, even without the Royal Assent.
The English Civil War was first declared on April 22, 1642, due to Charles I's refusal to purify the English Church and Parliament's denial of funds. The conflict was between Parliament's army, led by Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads, and Charles I's Cavaliers or Royalists, resulting in Parliament's victory.
Parliamentarian troops besieged Oxford during the English Civil War, leading to the departure of Charles I and his son. The original cornmarket was dismantled for the lead in its roof.
On 2nd June 1642, the Nineteen Propositions were rejected, indicating a significant disagreement between the parties involved.
A large gathering took place on 3rd June 1642 on Heworth Moor outside York, called by Charles I to rally support for his cause.
Charles I raised the royal standard in Nottingham, officially marking the beginning of the English Civil War. His forces controlled parts of the Midlands, Wales, the West Country, and northern England, while Parliament controlled London, the south-east, East Anglia, and the English navy.
On 29th September 1642, the Treaty of Neutrality was signed in Yorkshire by Lord Fairfax for Parliament and Henry Bellasis for the Royalists, aiming to maintain peace in the region.
The opposing forces of Charles I and Parliament met at Edgehill in a significant battle during the English Civil War. The battle ended inconclusively as Prince Rupert's cavalry charged through the parliamentary ranks but failed to secure a decisive victory.
Facing a numerically superior force, Charles I ordered a retreat from Turnham Green on the outskirts of London during the English Civil War. This marked a strategic setback for the royalist army as they overwintered in Oxford to prepare for the next season's campaign.
The Battle of Piercebridge occurred on 1st December 1642, as part of the ongoing conflict in the English Civil War.
The English Civil War began, leading to a series of conflicts between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists in England.
On 21st May 1643, Thomas Fairfax led an attack on the Royalist garrison at Wakefield in an attempt to take prisoners for exchange with the men lost at Seacroft Moor.
On 16th June 1643, the Long Parliament passed the Licensing Order, a significant legislative act during the English Civil War.
During the Battle of Chalgrove Field on 18th June 1643, John Hampden was fatally wounded, succumbing to his injuries on 24th June 1643.
The Battle of Adwalton Moor took place on 30th June 1643, marking a significant military engagement during the English Civil War.
On 1st July 1643, the first meeting of the Westminster Assembly was convened, playing a crucial role in the religious and political developments of the English Civil War era.
The Second Sieges of Bradford commenced on 2nd July 1643, representing a strategic military operation during the English Civil War.
The Battle of Burton Bridge occurred on 4th July 1643, shaping the course of military actions in the English Civil War.
Fought near Bath on 5th July 1643, the Battle of Lansdowne was a significant conflict in the English Civil War, impacting the regional dynamics.
Taking place near Devizes on 13th July 1643, the Battle of Roundway Down was a decisive engagement with implications for the English Civil War.
A significant battle that took place on July 20, 1643, during the English Civil War, resulting in a Parliamentarian victory over Royalist forces.
The Storming of Bristol occurred on July 26, 1643, during the English Civil War, where Parliamentarian forces captured the city of Bristol from Royalist control.
Oliver Cromwell gained military experience and success in East Anglia in 1643, notably at the Battle of Gainsborough on 28 July.
On August 17, 1643, the Church of Scotland officially ratified the Solemn League and Covenant, a key agreement that aimed to unify Scotland and England against the Royalists during the English Civil War.
The Siege of Hull started on September 2, 1643, as part of the English Civil War, with Parliamentarian forces besieging the Royalist-held town of Hull.
The Battle of Aldbourne Chase occurred on September 18, 1643, during the English Civil War, resulting in a Parliamentarian victory over Royalist forces.
The armies of Charles I and Parliament met at Newbury, Berkshire, on 20 September 1643 during the English Civil War. The battle ended inconclusively at nightfall, similar to the earlier Battle of Edgehill.
On September 25, 1643, the Long Parliament and the Westminster Assembly ratified the Solemn League and Covenant, solidifying the alliance between England and Scotland against the Royalists.
The Battle of Winceby occurred on October 11, 1643, during the English Civil War, resulting in a Parliamentarian victory over Royalist forces.
The Battle of Marston Moor was a significant conflict that took place in 1644 during the English Civil War. It was a decisive Parliamentarian victory over the Royalists, led by Prince Rupert of the Rhine. The battle marked a turning point in the war and contributed to the eventual defeat of the Royalist cause.
The Battle of Nantwich took place on January 26, 1644, during the English Civil War, resulting in a Parliamentarian victory over Royalist forces.
On February 3, 1644, the Siege of Newcastle began with a formal request for surrender to the Scottish forces during the English Civil War.
The Battle of Cheriton occurred on March 29, 1644, during the English Civil War, resulting in a Parliamentarian victory over Royalist forces.
On 28th May 1644, the Storming of Bolton and the Bolton Massacre took place during the English Civil War, resulting in a brutal massacre of civilians by Royalist forces.
The Battle of Cropredy Bridge occurred on 29th June 1644 during the First English Civil War, where Royalist forces under King Charles I defeated Parliamentarian troops.
The Battle of Marston Moor on 2nd July 1644 was a significant engagement in the English Civil War, resulting in a decisive Parliamentarian victory over the Royalists.
On 27th October 1644, the Battle of Newbury occurred, a significant conflict in the English Civil War between Parliamentarian and Royalist forces.
On 4th November 1644, the Long Parliament sent the Propositions of Uxbridge to King Charles I at Oxford, outlining terms for a potential peace settlement during the English Civil War.
Charles I was defeated at the Battle of Naseby by Oliver Cromwell in 1645.
The Committee of Both Kingdoms issued an order on 6th January 1645 for the formation of the New Model Army, a professional military force crucial to Parliament's victory in the English Civil War.
On 28th January 1645, the Long Parliament appointed commissioners to engage in negotiations with the king's representatives at Uxbridge, aiming to reach a peace agreement amidst the ongoing conflict.
The English Parliament takes steps to establish a new professional military force known as the New Model Army.
Sir Thomas Fairfax is given the leadership of the New Model Army, a pivotal development in the English Civil Wars.
Parliamentarian troops initiated a second siege of Oxford during the English Civil War.
On June 14, 1645, the Parliamentarians under Sir Thomas Fairfax achieved a decisive victory over the Royalists at the Battle of Naseby, a significant event in the English Civil Wars.
The Battle of Marston Moor took place on July 2, 1645, during the English Civil War, resulting in a decisive victory for the Parliamentarians over the Royalists.
On October 27, 1645, the Battle of Newbury was fought between the Parliamentarians and Royalists during the English Civil War, with no clear victor emerging from the conflict.
Charles I returned to Oxford to spend the winter with his troops during the English Civil War.
In January 1, 1646, Charles I surrendered to his Scottish Allies who were supporting Parliament.
The Royalist garrison surrendered, marking the end of the siege of Dartmouth.
After a 136-day siege, the Royalist garrison surrendered at Chester.
The New Model Army achieved victory in the Battle of Torrington.
The negotiations over the Treaty of Uxbridge concluded unsuccessfully on 22 February.
Ralph Hopton surrendered the Royalist army at Tresillian bridge in Cornwall.
The Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold, the last pitched battle of the First Civil War, resulted in a victory for the New Model Army.
The Royalist garrison surrendered, leading to the end of the siege of Exeter.
On 23 April, the Long Parliament passed the Self-denying Ordinance.
Charles I escaped from Oxford in disguise, beginning his journey towards the Scottish army camp near Newark.
Charles surrendered to a Scottish army at Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
Newark fell to the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War.
Leicester was besieged and sacked on 30 May.
The Battle of Naseby took place on 14 June.
The Siege of Oxford, a significant event during the English Civil War, concluded with the surrender of the Royalist garrison to the Parliamentarian forces.
The Battle of Alford occurred on 2 July.
On 10 July, the Battle of Langport was fought.
The Siege of Worcester, a key moment in the English Civil War, ended as the Royalist garrison surrendered to the Parliamentarian forces.
After enduring a 65-day siege, Wallingford Castle, the final English royalist stronghold, surrendered to Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Parliamentarian forces.
The Battle of Kilsyth took place on 15 August.
The Royalist garrison of Raglan Castle in Wales surrendered, marking a significant blow to the Royalist cause during the English Civil War.
The Battle of Philiphaugh occurred on 13 September.
The Battle of Rowton Heath was fought on 24 September.
The Long Parliament passed the Ordinance for the abolishing of Archbishops and Bishops in England and Wales, transferring their lands and possessions to Trustees for the Commonwealth's use.
The Siege of Hereford concluded on 17 December with the surrender of the Royalist garrison.
The surrender of Harlech Castle, the last Royalist stronghold in Wales, to Parliamentary forces marked a significant event in the English Civil War.
On 29th May 1647, the General Council of the Army formulated the Solemn Engagement, a significant document outlining the demands and intentions of the Army.
Cornet George Joyce, a junior officer in Fairfax's horse, led a troop of New Model Army cavalry to capture the King from his Parliamentary guards at Holdenby House on 3rd June 1647.
On 4th and 5th June 1647, the officers and men of the New Model Army gathered on Kentford Heath near Newmarket to give their approval to the Solemn Engagement.
General Fairfax dispatched the Solemn Engagement to Parliament on 8th June 1647, informing them that the King was under Army custody and negotiations would be handled through Army representatives.
On 1st August 1647, the General Council of the Army presented the Heads of Proposals, outlining their terms and conditions, marking a significant development in the English Civil War.
On 31st August 1647, Montrose managed to escape from the Highlands, a notable event that had implications in the ongoing conflicts during the English Civil War.
The Putney Debates commenced on 28th October 1647 and concluded on 11th November 1647.
On 26th December 1647, a faction of Scottish Covenanters signed The Engagement with Charles I.
The Battle of St. Fagans took place on 8th May 1648.
On 1st June 1648, the Battle of Maidstone occurred.
On 17th August 1648, Oliver Cromwell leads a Parliamentarian army to victory over an Anglo-Scottish Royalist army at the Battle of Preston, a crucial battle during the English Civil War.
The Battle of Winwick took place on 19th August 1648.
Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarian army defeats an Anglo-Scottish Royalist army.
The Treaty of Newport was signed on 15th September 1648.
On December 1, 1648, the creation of the 'Rump Parliament' reduces the number of MPs to just 150 members.
In December 1648, preparations began for the trial of Charles I, who was referred to as the 'Man of Blood'. This trial was a significant event leading to his eventual execution.
Charles I was executed in 1649, leading to England becoming a republic.
On 15 January, the 'Agreement of the People of England' was presented to the Rump Parliament, aiming for peace based on common rights, freedom, and safety.
On January 20, 1649, a group of Parliamentarian officers captures Charles I of England on the Isle of Wight.
On 27 January, the death warrant of Charles I of England was signed.
King Charles I was found guilty of treason, sentenced to public execution, and beheaded in front of spectators. This event marked the first time a King's execution and trial were open to the public.
On 7th February 1649, the Rump Parliament voted to abolish the English monarchy. This decision marked a significant turning point in English history.
The King was buried on 9 February 1649 at Windsor instead of Westminster Abbey to avoid public disorder.
The Engager Duke of Hamilton, Royalist Earl of Holland, and Royalist Lord Capel were beheaded at Westminster.
The Rump Parliament formally passed an act abolishing the kingship.
Pontefract Castle surrendered, showing loyalty to Charles II even after the death of Charles I.
An extended version of the Agreement of the Free People of England, presented as a peace offering to the nation by Leveller leaders John Lilburne, William Walwyn, Thomas Prince, and Richard Overton, who were imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Cromwell led a Parliamentary invasion of Ireland from 1649 to 1650 to combat the military threat posed by the alliance of the Irish Confederate Catholics and English royalists. The invasion was marked by brutal tactics and significant casualties.
On May 1, 1650, the Treaty of Breda was signed between Charles II and the Scottish Covenanters, marking an important agreement during this period.
On September 3, 1650, Oliver Cromwell led the New Model Army against Scotland.
On January 1, 1651, Charles II was crowned King of Scots at Scone, a pivotal moment in the history of Scotland during this turbulent period.
The Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651, was a decisive engagement that marked the final confrontation of the English Civil War, resulting in the defeat of Charles II and the end of the Royalist cause.
Charles II spent the day on 6 September 1651 hiding in the Royal Oak in the woodlands near Boscobel House.
On 16 October 1651, Charles II successfully landed in Normandy, France, after fleeing England.
On April 20, 1653, the Long Parliament was dissolved. This event marked a significant moment in English history as it paved the way for Oliver Cromwell to establish himself as the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
After dissolving the Parliament, Oliver Cromwell officially becomes the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England. This marks a shift towards Cromwell's personal rule.
The Battle of the Severn took place in the Province of Maryland, where a Puritan force under a Commonwealth flag emerged victorious over a Royalist force fighting for Lord Baltimore.
The Second Protectorate Parliament convened in 1656, playing a role in Cromwell's government structure and the administration of the Protectorate.
In January 1657, a plot by the Levellers to assassinate Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, was uncovered.
In April 1657, Oliver Cromwell made the decision to reject the offer of becoming the monarch of England.
Oliver Cromwell passed away on September 3, 1658, marking the end of his influential rule in England.
On May 7, 1659, Richard Cromwell reinstated the Rump Parliament, a significant political move during this period.
Richard Cromwell formally resigned from his position as Lord Protector by delivering a letter on May 25, 1659.
The Rump Parliament was once again dissolved on October 13, 1659, leading to further political instability.
In 1660, after 11 years of republican rule, Charles II, son of Charles I, was restored to the English throne, ending the Interregnum period.
In 1661, the bodies of Oliver Cromwell, John Bradshaw, and Henry Ireton were removed from Westminster Abbey to be posthumously tried for high treason and executed. This event was a symbolic retaliation for the trial and execution of King Charles I twelve years earlier during the English Civil War.
In 1662, the Uniformity Act was passed to enforce the use of the Book of Common Prayer in the Church of England. Additionally, Sir Henry Vane, a prominent figure in the English Civil War, was put on trial.
King Charles II officially employed John Dryden as Poet Laureate, recognizing his talent and loyalty.
In 1672, a secret treaty was signed between Charles II of England and Louis XIV of France, outlining their cooperation and alliance.
In 1673, Charles II issued the Declaration of Indulgence, granting religious freedom and tolerance to dissenters in England.
The Test Act of 1678 was passed in England, imposing a religious test on all public officials, excluding Catholics from holding office.
The Habeas Corpus Act of 1679 was passed during the reign of Charles II in England. It reinforced the longstanding writ of habeas corpus, protecting individual freedom by ensuring that people could not be unlawfully detained.
In 1680, the Second Test Act was enacted in England, further restricting Catholics from holding public office.
The Exclusion Bill was introduced in 1683 in England, aiming to exclude Charles II's Catholic brother, James, from the line of succession to the throne.
The book 'The Struggle for Sovereignty: Seventeenth-Century English Political Tracts' edited by Joyce Lee Malcolm was published in 1999 by Liberty Fund. It consists of two volumes and focuses on political tracts from the 17th century in England.
English Civil War
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