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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Catra Was Established
The Magna Carta was signed in June 1215 by King John. This document is believed to be the first of quite a few documents with written promises between the king and his subjects. The document says that the King would govern England and its people according to feudal law. This was the first of many attempts to stop kings from abusing their power. -
Jan 1, 1264
Establishment of Parliament
Montfort, a french-born noble, in 1624 summoned the first parliament in English history. This was a logical way for Montfort to establish his authority. They first met on January 20th, 1625, in Westmiister Hall, and were dissolved on 15 February 1264. Despite the short life, this is where the concept of Parliament began. -
Petiton of Rights was legalised
The Petition of Right was passed by Parliament as a response to Charles I abuse of power. This event took away complete power (taxation without parliament consent, imprisonment without cause, restrictions over martial law, etc) from the King and gave partial power to the Parliament. -
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts between the Royalists (supported the king) and the Parliamentarians (supported the Parliament). Three major battles occurred: Edge Hill (1642), Marston Moor (1644) and Naseby (1645). in June 1645, the combined armies of Parliament and Scotland defeated the King's army. In 1646, Charles I surrendered to the Scots. This eventually led to Charles I execution in 1649. -
Execution of Charles I
Charles I was one of the first kings executed. He was trialed for treason, which led to his execution. He was put on trial in London January 1st, and continued in his none recognition of the legality of the court. His confirmed the judges answer and he was sentenced to be executed. On the 6th of February 1649, the monarchy was abolished. -
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was a bloodless revolution establishing the parliament was supreme over the crown. King james II was overthrown by the Parliament and was replaced with William and Mary. This overthrow gave Parliament its power back, setting the stage for the limitied monarchy in England. -
Act of Settlement
The Act of Settlement mainly reinforces the Bill of Rights (1689). It strengthened the principle that govenment was undertaken by the Sovereign and the consitutional adivsors, not by the Sovereign and personal adivsors.
