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Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was the the first document that began to restrict the power of the King. One of these restrictions said that no non-serf could be punished except by the "law of the land". Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magna_Carta.jpg -
Jan 1, 1258
The Provisions of Oxford
When Henry III took over the throne, multiple powerful barons were not happy with his reign. This was mostly because he almost never consented with them on his decisions. This led to the formation of one of the first Parliaments which met three times a year. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Henry_III_of_England -
Petition of Right
Parliament under Charles I forced a document called the Petition of Right onto Charles I. This document required that there should be no forced lloans or taxation without Parliament's consent, no freeman be imprisoned without due cause, and that troops shall not be billeted in private homes. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Petition_of_Right.jpg -
Long Parliament
After Charles failed to impose conformity over Scotland, he recalled Parliament, on their terms. This new Parliament abolished all courts enforcing royal policy and prohibited the levying of taxes without its consent. They could also not be dissolved without their own consent. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LongParliament.jpg -
Charles's Attack On Parliament/Militia Ordinance
In 1642, Charles attempted to invade Parliament and arrest his opponents. After this failed, Charles fled London and raised an army. Parliament then passed the Militia Ordinane, allowing Parliament to raise and army of its own. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LongParliament.jpg -
English Civil War
After the failed attack on Parliament, a Civil War broke out between Parliament and King Charles I. This war was eventually won by Parliament, mainly due to the fact that Parliament sided with Scotland and military leader Oliver Cromwell. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oliver_Cromwell_Gaspard_de_Crayer.jpg -
Execution of Charles I and Abolishment of the Monarchy
After Charles I was defeated, he was tried in a special court and then was sentenced to death. After the execution, Parliament abolished the monarchy making England technically a Puritan Republic. Although Charles II did eventually take over, the King never had the same kind of power he once did. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_View_of_the_Place_and_Manner_of_K._Charles_the_First%27s_Execution_(King_Charles_I)_from_NPG.jpg
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