Settlement Attempts 1646-7 Flashcards
What were the Newcastle Propositions? (Parliament’s? )
Within weeks of Civil War ending, Newcastle Propositions were presented, (May 1646). more detailed than the Nineteen Propositions, 1642:
Triennial act maintained, parliament to nominate 13 ministers as officers of state, parliament control of militia for 20 years, episcopacy to be abolished and Presbyterian Church established for three years, 58 royalists to be excluded from general pardon. Political Presbyterians behind this. Charles wanted to create time, hoping that divisions would occur allowing him to rule.
What were divisions between Parliament and the Scots?
Parl and Scots: by 1646 disagreed over ruling Church and King. Solemn League and Covenant of 1643 had stated that parliament would establish presbyterian Church in England but this would cause national anger. Ordinances on 19 and 26 August 1645 established, as Robert Ballie said, ‘a lame Eurasian Presbytery,’ (a church with no bishops but still under state rule).
What were divisions between Parliament and the New Model Army?
Presbyterians played too big a role in political and religious settlement despite the NMA defeating Charles. Also, a large army was no longer needed. The soldiers would have to be paid off and receive backlog of their wages, causing problems in 1646 which erupted in 1647.
What were divisions between the NMA and Scots?
The NMA fought for religious freedom and the Scots wanted a national Presbyterian Church to establish religious uniformity. Cromwell would draw his sword against the Scots as easily as Charles’ army.
What were Scottish divisions?
Reaction against Covenanters stemming from June 1646 defeat in Ireland. Growth of anti-Covenanting group and rise of royalist Scots.
When were Presbyterians dominant in Parliament, (pro negotiations), and Independents, (wanting a tough war peace)?
Presbyterians dominant in 1646, but Charles’ delayed response weakened position and by-elections (Recruiter elections) in 1646-7 welcomed Independents. In January 1647 the Scots left once paid £400,000 and reduced burden. Charles was sent to Holdenby House, Northamptonshire, under Parliament control, and by spring 1647 Presbyterian leaders felt strong enough to deal with English army problem.
How did Parliament first alienate the NMA? (1647)
Parliament wanted 12,400 men to Ireland and 6,400 to stay in England with no mention of arrears and protection from prosecution for actions under military service. Officers then soldiers complained. Eight weeks arrears offered when infantry owed 18, and cavalrymen 43 weeks.
When did the army take Charles and form the General Council of the Army? (1647)
On 29 May army refused to disband and Cornet Joyce led 500 soldiers to Holdenby House, Charles taken to Newmarket under army headquarters. General Council of Officers set up. Army marched to London as Parliament looked for armed response there. 14 June - General Council of Army produced Declaration of the Army stating it wasn’t a ‘mere mercenary army’ and called purge of Long Parliament.
In 1647, what did the army do after they had demanded purge of Long Parliament?
Eleven Members, 11 Presbyterian MPs wanting slow negotiations with Charles, fled when demanded to be impeached. After demonstrations loyal to them occurred on 26 July, they returned. 60 leading Independents refuged with the army and ten days later it occupied London and reinstated the MPs.
Army July-Dec 1647, what divisions existed between agitators and grandees?
Grandees, army officials, scorned on by rank and file, particularly Levellers and Agitators. Fears were that grandees would soften army’s position to conclude settlement with Charles. Agitators (representatives of regiments) elected by rank and file who represented ordinary soldiers and sympathised with radicals including Levellers - fought for suffrage.
What were the Heads of Proposals?
July 1647, grandees submitted proposals to Charles:
Triennial Parliament replaced with biennial parliaments; officers of state: parliament to nominate ministers for 10 years; militia: Parliament to control for ten years; church: bishops remain with limited power and religious toleration; seven royalists excluded from general pardon.
September 1647, Newcastle Propositions dismissed in favour of Heads of Proposals - harsher on Parliament. Divide and rule was working.
What was the Agreement of People? (Oct 1647)
Levellers linked with Agitators came up with a set of proposals.
Parliament sovereign in all areas but 5, where people ruled including religion and right to exempt people from law of the land.
Argued for a democratic republic and franchise for all men.
What happened at Putney and what rendezvous followed?
Debated by General Council of Officers at Putney, 28 October - 5 November 1647. Henry Ireton, accomplished soldier and son-in-law of Cromwell, involved in Heads of Proposals, argued suffrage should only be for men who owned property. He spoke for grandees.
Army rendezvous a few weeks later at Corkbush Field near Ware. Soldiers had Agreement of the People in hats to which they added the slogan ‘England’s freedom, soldiers’ rights.’
Cromwell had two ringleaders arrested and one shot. Army unity restored.
What did Charles do in response to the army rendezvous in November 1647?
Charles fled to Carisbrooke Castle, guest of the governor, in Isle of Wight, claiming he feared his life. Theorised Cromwell knew. Approached by envoys of Parliament and Scots, Four Bills were issued including Parliament control of militia for 20 years, annul King’s proclamations against Parliament, Parliament to adjourn anywhere in England, cancel peerages granted since start of Civil Wars, and included Newcastle Propositions.
Why did Parliament pass the Vote of No Addresses in December 1647?
Engagement with the Scots signed 26 December granting Presbyterian Church for 3 years in favour of military support of the anti-Covenanting Scottish faction. A week later Parl passed Vote of No Addresses forbidding further negotiations.
