Execution of Strafford Flashcards
When was the Long Parliament opened, and what accusations were made?
On 3 Nov 1640, the Long Parliament opened with hopes to complete the Reformation ending compromise of the Elizabethan settlement; Pym warned of a Catholic plot to divide the country in religion and government with taxation and prerogative courts, alongside accusing Charles of stirring war between England and Scotland, trying absolutism in Ireland, and using their army to instil fear in the English.
Who were imprisoned and awaiting trial? Which officers did Parliament threaten to impeach, and for what? What happened as a result? What petitions circulated?
Strafford + Laud were imprisoned and awaiting trial, while Parliament threatened to impeach any customs officer or sheriff who collected Ship Money/Tonnage & Poundage. Francis Windebank fled across the English channel while lesser courtiers slipped away from London. Root and branch petitions formed to try and challenge episcopal government.
What was issued in February 1641?
February 1641 - Triennial Act means Parliament must be called every three years.
When was Strafford killed? What did Charles say before, and how did Strafford react? How did Charles react when he learned Strafford had to die? When did the trial begin, and why was his survival risky?
What was Strafford accused of? Why were the Lords reluctant to punish him?
On 12 May, 1641, Strafford was executed on Tower Hill. Charles had said nothing would happen to him, and Strafford claimed he hoped the execution would create balance in the country, secretly stating, ‘put not your trust in princes.’ When the Privy Council advised his death, Charles was in tears, and until 1649 believed Civil War was God’s punishment. The Earl of Strafford had tried to replace Archbishop of Armagh’s policies, Ussher’s, with his own in the CofI. On 22 March 1641, his trial began. It was risky as if Strafford survived, he could create conflict by announcing Pym, Saye and Sele, Lord Brooke, and the Earl of Warwick’s involvement in the Bishop’s Wars with the Scots.
He was accused of establishing arbitrary government.
‘Constructive treason,’ was the accusation where Strafford was accused of dividing the King and his subjects and trying to rule kingdoms by force, but Strafford claimed each charge could only be taken on its own merits, and the Lords were reluctant to denounce him, as he would be hanged, drawn, and quartered.
What was passed on 10 April 1641?
How was Lords convinced to sign?
On 10 April, the Bill of Attainder was passed. The King would have to sign it, denouncing Strafford as a traitor, alongside the Lords, but more was needed to convince them…
Pym revealed that the King was conspiring a coup d’etat with the army. Angered at Parliament’s treatment of Charles, the army planned to send 100 from York to London to save Strafford from the Tower and dissolve Parliament, but this failed when the tower was well-protected. Army Plot, 3 May.
What did Charles sign alongside Strafford’s death warrant?
Parliament had been able to be dissolved after 50 days of opening, being allowed to reform every 3 years. Charles signed an Act to sign away his Prerogative right, and as a result Parliament resisted dissolve in the civil war, leading to the 1648 Pride’s Purge, a military coup. In 1653, the remainder of the Long Parliament, the Rump, was dissolved.
Why did Charles sign his death warrant?
Charles signed the death warrant due to being under immense pressure as the country was on the verge of civil war, there were mobs at Whitehall Palace, and he feared for the lives of his Wife and children. Bishops and lords urged him to kill Strafford. Moreover, Parliament would also refuse to pay off the Scots.
What were effects of Strafford’s execution?
The Lords finally sided with the Commons against Charles, knowing he could not be trusted for the Army Plot
Charles was made to be accountable for his actions and for Strafford’s death, feeling betrayed by the Commons.
What was signed on 22 June?
What was signed on 5 July?
What was signed on 7 Aug?
What was signed on 10 Aug?
The King, demoralised and isolated, had to concede to Parliament’s demands.
He signed following acts:
Tonnage and Poundage Act, 22 June ; customs duties can’t be charged without King’s consent.
Acts for the Abolition of the Courts of Star Chamber and High Commission, 5 July ; Abolished prerogative courts.
Ship Money Act, 7 August : abolished all forms of Ship Monet, including occasional charges on ports + coastal counties.
Limitation of Forests Act, 7 Aug ; limited boundaries to those in 1623/
Act Prohibiting Knighthood Fines, 10 Aug.
