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Jun 15, 1215
15 June 1215, Magna Carta
First issued in 1215, this document was written by King John's subjects, who forced him to sign it. The Magna Carta established the rule of law- the monarch was no longer above the law. It was the first major challenge to the monarchy's absolute rule, laying down the idea that the King's power was not arbitrary and that all English people had certain liberties that could not be infringed upon. This marked the first of many challenges to absolute royal power. -
Dec 14, 1265
14 Dec Jan 1265, Parliament is Held
The English Parliament, composed of the House of Commons and House of Lords, was established in 1241.Although the members were originally only meant to act as advisers to the King, they would eventually become the very force that challenged his power. -
22 August 1642, English Civil War
The English Civil War was fought during Charles I's reign. It was fought by the Parlimentarians, (led by Oliver Cromwell; also called "Roundheads") and the Royalists (led by King Charles I; also called "Cavaliers"). The war ended in 1651 with a huge Parliamentarian victory, and England became a Republican Commonwealth for the first time under Cromwell. This event was a major victory for limiting the power of the monarchy. -
30 Jan 1649, Execution of Charles I
In a serious state of absolutionism, Charles I had been disregarding the law. He interpreted the government in a way that benefited him. As a result of discontent, the English Civil war erupted, and at the end of the Civil War after his surrender, he was executed. He was the first king executed by his people and this showed how fed up the people had become by the monarchy. Civilians were so angry and felt so powerless that they killed him against his "divine right". -
27 May 1679, Habeas Corpus Implemented
This act, passed by Parliament during the reign of King Charles II, spoke to and for the individual liberty for the people of Britain. Unjust imprisonment was put in the rear-view mirror, as there were many rights that the people had gained. -
22 January 1689, The Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was a violent-free revolt in which Parliament tried to prove its supremacy. As a result of it, King James II was overthrown by Parliament supporters and William and Mary took over the throne. This also overthrew a Catholic ruler, so there was increased amount of tolerance toward Protestants. William III’s overthrow of James II gave Parliament its power back that it missed during the age of absolute monarchy. And with this, William and Mary became the new limited monarchs. -
4 April 1721, Appointment of Sir Robert Walpole as PM
Although differing slightly in the functions of modern British Prime Ministers, the appointment of Sir Robert Walpole was the start of a new position in the U.K., further limiting monarchy.
