The execution of Strafford and its consequence Flashcards
What did others think about Strafford?
Strafford epitomised the ‘evil councillors’ that had apparently led Charles into errors of judgement.
When was the impeachment and trial?
Impeachment proceedings began after his arrest, and was arranged for April 1641
How would Strafford to be found guilty?
To be found guilty of treason, he would have to be tried in the House of Lords, after a vote in the House of Commons.
What was the Act of Attainder?
This effectively operated as a death warrant. The Act only required a suspicion of guilt, and as long as it was passed by both Houses and singed by the monarch, no trial was required.
How did Pym secured the passage of the Act of Attainder?
To secure the passage of the Act, Pym revealed the existence of a plot by Catholic army officers to release Strafford and dissolve parliament by force.
What was the impact of the Army Plot at the end of 1641
Many previously reluctant MPs and Lords were now persuaded to vote in favour of the Attainder, and it was passed by 204 votes to 59
The emergence of the Constitutional Royalist
• What did they favour
By August 1641, moderates led by Edward Hyde and Lord Falkland favoured a settlement based on the concessions already won by parliament and felt that Pym’s continued demands were too extreme
What did the Ten Propositions Aug 1641 ask from Charles
The opposition drew up the Ten Propositions to be considered by Charles and requested he accept them before he left for Scotland to make peace.
What did the Ten Proposition Aug 1641 include
These propositions included significant extensions of parliamentary power, such as the right to approve the King’s advisers.
Steps taken to further erode the prerogative
After the death of Strafford, a number of Acts were signed by Charles that would result in him giving away a significant amount of his God-given prerogative powers.
Why did Charles agree to steps taken to further erode the prerogative?
Charles agreed to both the execution of Strafford and the passage of these Acts because he was frightened for his own security and conscious of growing influence of the London Mob
Steps taken to further erode the prerogative
• finance
June 1641 Tonnage and Poundage were abolished
August, Ship Money was declared illegal
Steps taken to further erode the prerogative•
• Courts
The Court of High Commission and the Star Chamber were outlawed due to their role in enforcing Laud’s religious policies.
