Events 1640-42

• 1640


  Short Parliament is recalled as Charles needs money for war against the Scots (again) and only lasts 3 weeks. This allows Godly MPs to attack Charles' abuse of prerogative powers and his religious policy
• May 1640


  Charles aimed to reassert his dominance over Scotland . He couldn't get funds from Parliament so raised money through forced loans and from his own pocket to fund the war effort. The Scottish Convenenters were better organised and more motivated. The Scots won the 2nd Bishops War which lead to the Treaty of Ripon in which the Scots occupied the north of England and Charles had to pay them £850 a day until a final settlement could be reached
• November 1640

  Financial pressures lead Charles to call the "Long Parliament" which had negotiated behind Charles' back leading to the Treaty of Ripon. Laud's new canons, one of which asserted divine right (aimed to restore Elizabethan ceremonies) and Et Cetera Oath which swore allegiance to C of E angered many within Parliament
• November 1640


  Strafford (Wentworth) and Laud arrested. Charles refused to accept the validity of the arrests. Charles' authority was questioned as his main proponent of 'Thorough' had been attacked. They also emboldened his opponents and further alienated either side
• December 1640

  Root and Branch bill calling for end to Episcoapcy is rejected but does again strengthen Charles' opponents
• 1641

  • Triennial Act
  • Parliament cannot be dissolved without it's own consent
  • Root and Branch Bill

  Charles cannot stop Parliament from passing these acts due to a shortage of money and no political ascendancy with Parliament. He is looking even weaker.....
• March to May 1641


  Strafford's trial begins. First Army Plot to free him was discovered and any shred of trust between the 2 is gone. Charles is forced to sign the Bill of Attainder which denies Strafford a fair trial and leads to his execution. Charles is devastated
• 1641

  • Tonnage and Poundage Act
  • Star Chamber and Court of High Commission abolished
  • Ship money abolished
  • Distraint of Knighthood abolished
  • Root and Branch Bill defeated

  Loss of Strafford means Parliament can more easily dismantle King's prerogative.
• October 1641


  Irish rebellion begins, with RC rebels claiming they are acting on the King's behalf. Fears spread of Charles planning a military coup and perhaps a Catholic uprising in England? Strafford's actions had already aroused suspicions about the King's motives in Ireland
• November 1641

  • Grand Remonstrance

  Radical changes proposed by Pym and Parliament that would have meant huge constitutional changes with the role of the King- barely passed in HoC and failed in HoL, showing deep divisions in Parliament. It was circulated widely shaping public opinion against the King. Charles accepted it but not keen on it
• December 1641

  • The Militia Bill sought to transfer control of the militia (local armed forces) from the king to Parliament.
  • It proposed that Parliament should have the authority to appoint officers and command the militia, rather than the king.

  Direct challenge to the authority of the King and underlined Parliaments fears of a royalist coup
• January 1642

  • Attempted arrest of 5 MPs

  The MPs and 1 Lord get wind of the plot and flee. Huge public outcry and both sides are further alienated. Moderates are appalled and action is condemned as an abuse of power and unconstitutional. Violent reaction in London, with Trained Bands and Apprentice Boys rioting
• March 1642


  As a result of the attempted arrest of the 5 MPs (and 1 Lord!), the Militia Bill is passed, becoming the Militia Ordinance
• April 1642


  Sir John Hotham (governor of Hull) refuses to give the Royal Arsenal to the King at Hull. This was crucial in denying the King vital arms and contributed to the military preparation of both sides, as well as further setting the stage for major conflict
• June 1642

  • 19 Propositions (grievances presented to the King and potential reforms

  The King rejected these outright, seeing them as an attack on his prerogative. This contributed to the decision for Parliament to raise an army and lead to outright war in August...
• June 1642


  Committee of Safety appointed to direct military operations and vote to raise an army
• August 1642


  Charles raises his standard
• May 1641

  • Death of The Earl of Bedford

  Bedford was one of the few men who was respected by both King and Parliament. He had 'a foot in both camps'. He nearly succeeded in persuading Charles to make John Pym the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Denzil Holles (another leading MP) Secretary of State which would have calmed things down. However, he died in May of natural causes and the deal ended, with negotiations collapsing