Charles I 1625 - 29 - Prerogative vs Privilege Flashcards
Charles I beliefs
Charles had a strong belief in his own Divine Right as King (the monarch’s authority derives from God and is subject to no earthly authority e.g. parliament). Charles ruled in a provocative manner and was largely unwilling to compromise with a closed and isolated court which was dominated by Catholics and Armenian’s (no reform of Church) strongly linked to absolutism seen in Spain.
1625 Thirty Years War
To fund Charles’ involvement in the Thirty Years War, he needed funds £1 million from Parliament, however, did not clearly explain his reasonings and the Commons only granted two small subsidies and Tonnage and Poundage for a year.
1625 Parliament
Charles was only the collection of Tonnage and Poundage for one year and two small subsidies from Parliament, which he saw as a direct attack on his royal prerogative and ignored this. Buckingham was also a point of tension due his large influence over Charles and position of Gentleman of the Bedchamber and Parliament also attacked Charles’ support for Arminian Cleric Montagu, all criticism led to Charles dissolving Parliament after 2 months.
1626 Parliament
Charles’ failure at Cadiz led to his recall of Parliament for finance. He immediately provoked Parliament with an opening sermon from William Laud stressing obedience to the King. Any potential threats to Charles’ position, Coke and Wentworth, or to Buckingham, Earl of Arundel, were dismissed and arrested. MP’s begun impeachment of Buckingham due to his blame for the Cadiz failure as Lord High Admiral. Charles dissolved Parliament to save Buckingham.
1626 Earl of Bristol attack on Charles
George Digby as ambassador of Spain during the Spanish Match 1623, revealed that Charles had bribed Spanish courtiers and promised concessions to Catholics in England if the arrangement was completed. Charles charged him with treason, however Digby presented evidence that suggested Buckingham was to be charged instead, leading to Charles’ dismissal of Parliament.
1627 Five Knights Case
The five main resistors to the Forced Loan od 1626 resisted imprisonment under habeas corpus to ensure they were to be tried before imprisonment. The trial ruled that Charles did have the prerogative and general right to imprison without good reason using fake records created by Charles. This corruption created opposition in Parliament and led to the Petition of Right.
1628 Parliament
In the 1628 Parliament, the Commons appeared willing to compromise with Charles by allowing him five subsidies if he addressed their grievances: taxation including Tonnage and Poundage, billeting (requirement to accommodate soldiers), martial law (military authority) in order to control billeted soldiers and imprisonment without trial.
1628 Petition of Right
Charles could not be trusted by Parliament to rule in an unwritten constitution and showed his powers needed to be restricted. 4 main points: Parliament had to consent to taxation, Imprisonment by just cause, imposition of martial law was illegal, and imposition of billeting was illegal. Charles initially did not give proper royal assent, which showed Parliament Charles could not be trusted.
1628 Buckingham’s assassination
Buckingham assassinated after Parliaments remonstrance criticising him. This was accompanied by celebration across the country. Charles blamed Parliament for their negative portrayal of Buckingham.
1629 Three Resolutions
Radical MP’s held down the speaker in Parliament until the three resolutions were passed, which expressed opposition to Arminianism and the continued collection of Tonnage and Poundage after Parliament refused, however Charles responded by dissolving Parliament and had his critics arrested. He governed for the following 11 years without Parliament.
