english civil war

  • Preparations for War

    Charles sent his wife Henrietta Maria to the Continent to enlist Catholic support for his cause against Parliament. She was also to pawn the crown jewels to buy arms. Although both sides were now preparing for war, negotiations continued.
  • Nineteen Propositions

    The Nineteen Propositions were issued by Parliament in the hopes of reaching a settlement with the King. They called for a new constitution recognising their own supremacy; demanded that ministers and judges should be appointed by parliament not by the King and also that all Church and military matters should come under the control of Parliament.
  • Civil War - Standard raised

    Charles raised his standard at Nottingham formally declaring war. However, both sides hoped that either war could be averted or that one decisive battle would put an end to the matter
  • Solemn League and Covenant

    This document swore to preserve the Church of Scotland and reform the religion of England and Ireland 'according to the word of God and the example of the best reformed churches' and to protect 'the rights and liberties of parliaments'. It was accepted by the English Parliament in September.
  • Second Battle of Newbury

  • Surrender to the Scots

    Charles I surrendered to the Scots
  • Surrender

    Oxford, Charles I's capital surrendered to Parliament
  • Charles I Imprisoned

    The Scots handed Charles over to parliament. He was imprisoned in Holdenby House, Northamptonshire
  • Putney Debates

    This was a series of debates held by different Parliamentarian forces to try to decide on a new constitution
  • Charles Escaped

    Charles I escaped imprisonment and fled to Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
  • Charles Recaptured

    Charles was recaptured and sent to Windsor Castle
  • Rump Parliament

    The Rump Parliament began. All members of Parliament who were in favour of negotiating with the King had been expelled. The Rump Parliament gave parliament the right to make new Acts of Parliament without the king's approval
  • Trial of King Charles began

    King Charles was tried for treason by a High Court of Justice specially set up for the trial. The court found Charles guilty and sentenced him to death.
  • Execution

    King Charles I was executed by beheading, outside Whitehall Palace, London. He was buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor.