Scotland during personal rule Flashcards
Why did the Scots feel neglected by Charles
The Scots felt neglected as it was England who received the bulk of royal patronage and the Scots were excluded from England’s growing overseas trade
Charles dealt with Scotland with a lack of sensitivity - unlike his father he did not extend significant amounts of patronage
What did Charles do in particular to make Scots feel neglected
- His first act in 1625 had been to revoke grants of land made by the Crown since 1540 - Included the Church lands given to the nobility as a result of Reformation
Content of the new prayer book
- Majority of Scottish population favoured Presbyterianism
Charles saw religious uniformity as a means of consolidating power and therefore he introduced a new Prayer book to reinforce episcopal governance in Scotland
On instructions from Charles in 1635:
The Book of Common Prayer drawn up by the Scottish Bishops
Produced canons for “the uniformity … discipline” which stipulated kneeling and the practice of confession which caused much offence
Significance of the imposition of a new prayer book
- People feared what the book contained as it required their obedience without being completed. Rumours were widespread that it was full of ‘popish rites’
Controversial method’s of Charles
- The prayer book was introduced by royal proclamation, abandoning all pretence of government by consent - it was imposed by decree and not consent so was extremely controversial
- In Feb 1638 Charles issued a proclamation making protests against the new prayer book an act of treason - The Scots had to choose between loyalty to the King and loyalty to the Presbyterian church - this confrontation led to the end of personal rule
What happened in 1638 to challenge Charles’ attempts for religious uniformity
The National Convent: The unpopular religious reforms resulted in widespread dissent.
28 February 1638
Many people signed the national convent - a document that rejected the King’s interference in Church affairs and reaffirmed their commitment to a Presbyterian form of government.
When did the general assembly meet in response to the new prayer book
From 21 November to 6 December
The Church of Scotland’s general assembly met in Glasgow to formally denounce the King’s interference in Church affairs and set a clear agenda for opposition.
- More serious as it was open opposition
When was the outbreak of the Bishops war
The First Bishops’ War began in March 1639 - armed conflict
In 1640 the second phase of the bishops war began
Significance of the second phase of the bishops war
- Covenanters enter victory - resisted the imposition of the new prayer book and forced Charles to concede
- Weakened Charles’ position and set in motion the events for the outbreak of the English civil war
How did Charles finance bishop war
- Put his relationship with parliament back on the agenda as he needed money
he appeared to be willing to take up arms against fellow protestants which further alienated puritans in England and some of whom moved to build links with the covenanters
Why were the convents successful
Collective refusal:
- There was not a genuinely independent or representative national parliament in Scotland so they expressed resistance through collective refusal
- The Thorough had not reached Scotland yet so regional government functioned in traditional way
Significance of the cannons
Charles I reinforced his divine right through the canons. They required people yo swear an oath of loyalty asserting their support for the prayer book
Importance of the bishops war
It allowed for an opportunity for opponents in Scotland and within Parliament to develop links and work against Charles. In doing so they also opened up possibilities for both the Scots and parliament to connect religious grievances: English Puritanism and Scottish Presbyterianism
What ended the Bishops war
The Treaty of Ripon
What did Charles do during the war in attempts to fight back
Strengthen his circle of advisers
- Thomas Wentworth was recalled from Ireland in September 1639 and was made Earl of Strafford
- In his absence however order in Ireland began to unravel. Irish Protestants began to offer help to the Covenanters
Why did Charles negotiate the Pacification of Berwick
Charles gave the order to advance into Scotland and Lord Holland unprofessionally allowed his cavalry to run too far ahead of the infantry into the Scottish Army. Holland’s cavalry turned back and spread exaggerated stories of Scottish strength among the English Army
When did Charles negotiate the Pacification of Berwick
18 June 1639
Contained an agreement from both sides to disband their armies; Charles also agreed to recall the Scottish General Assembly and Scottish Parliament
