Relations and Disputes with Parliaments, 1604-29 Flashcards
Parliamentary privilege
Legal immunity enjoyed by MPs.
Allows MPs to speak freely during proceedings.
The Buckinghamshire Elections, 1604
MPs learnt that the election of Francis Goodwin had been annulled.
Said he was an outlaw, and John Fortescue was returned in his place. HoC reinstated Goodwin, James thought they were acting illegally.
A new election was held.
Shirley’s case, 1604
In 1604, MP Thomas Shirley was arrested for debt.
Upset MPs who advocated for parliamentary privilege.
Parliament sent the governor of the debtor’s prison to the Tower of London.
Union of England and Scotland, 1606
Part of James’ plan for a secure new kingdom.
Immediate intense opposition.
James’ plan fell apart due to opposition from MPs.
The Addled Parliament, 1614
Lasted 8 weeks.
Factional conflict: Howard Faction (supported Catholics) and Protestant Faction.
Impositions.
Financial need: failure of Great Contract and death of Cecil.
Issue of Monopolies, 1621
MPs focused on the abuse of monopolies.
England wasn’t trading well and monopolies were exploited by courtiers.
Buckingham, with other MPs, urged Parliament to impeach their rival, Francis Bacon.
Politics wasn’t Crown vs Parliament, but Faction vs Faction.
The Spanish Match
A marriage between Charles and a Spanish princess.
Majority of MPs had strong anti-Spanish sentiments.
James though it was a way to negotiate the end of the 30 Years War.
1625 Parliament
Charles needed £1 million for war with Spain.
HoC only granted 2 subsidies and limited tonnage and poundage to 1 year.
Charles appointed Montagu as Royal Chaplain.
Lasted 2 months
Cadiz, 1625
Disastrous anti-Spanish intervention.
6000 troops raised and sent untrained to the Netherlands. (4000 died).
English fleet didn’t take Cadiz. More troops were lost from lack of food than gunfire.
1626 Parliament
Buckingham tried to remove his opposition.
MPs tried to impeach Buckingham.
Charles attempted to save Buckingham by threatening Parliament.
La Rochelle, 1627
Buckingham’s force laid siege to St Martin and then attempted direct assault but failed.
Out of 7833 soldiers, only 2989 returned.
Meant Britain was at war with both Spain and France.
The Petition of Right, 1628
Response to the concern that Charles couldn’t be trusted to rule by unwritten constitution.
Parliament must consent to taxation.
People could only be imprisoned if just cause is shown.
Martial law was illegal.
Billeting was illegal.
Charles had to be forced to agree.
