Charles I 1629-40 Personal Rule PDF

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CHARLES I 1629-40: Personal Rule

START OF THE PERSONAL RULE Charles’ speech to parliament when he closed it : “However Princes are not bound to you give an account of their actions but to God’ - It shows Charles as arrogant ‘ Some turbulent and ill-affected spirits “ - explains why Charles closes parliament because of the radicals ‘ I will recall when I am satisfied” -  This shows that Charles was always going to reopen parliament. - not rule as an absolutist

Issues Charles had to face by 1629 Local Government ● Counties viewed themselves as ‘little kingdoms’ their main loyalty was not to the kIng. ● Sheriff's struggled to get taxes Finance By 1629 Charles had a debt of £2million caused by the wars with Spain and France. Without Parliament to give extraordinary revenue - Charles needed to increase ordinary revenue.

Religion ● Churches were a state of despair or a lot of them were ruined - Some were used as pigsties ● Parish clergy was often poorly paid and not well educated. ● A lot of different religious groups - lack of uniformity Multiple kingdoms Charles wanted to unite all the Kingdoms ● Scotland were majority Presbyterians ● Ireland was a protestant country but the majority of the people were catholic

Key features of the Personal Rule

No parliament to govern ● No democracy - public opinions/grievances won't be heard ● No protestation / petition This causes resentment to build over time. Period of reform ‘ innovations ‘ ● Finance - Charles increasing his ordinary revenue ● Religion - Laudianism These reforms will be the source of tensions for when parliament reopens in 1640 - Charles alienates the Anglican church Absolutism ● Charles introduces two new courts to enforce what he wants - The courts will always favour Charles because he appoints the judges - Star chamber ( The highest court) - High commission ‘Conspiracy theory mentality’ develops Catholicism and absolutism are linked - France and Spain are both Catholic countries, as well as both countries, have an absolutist King. - The protestant nightmare is slowly coming true.

CHARLES AND FINANCES The constitution ‘ no scutage or aid (taxes) shall be imposed on our kingdom, unless by common counsel” The constitution states that Charles is not allowed to collect taxes without parliament's approval Statute of limitations If something is not claimed within a reasonable amount of time it loses the right to claim it -Judges are usually deciding what is reasonable Charles can erase his debt because it hasn’t been claimed for a long time - a because he appoints the judges the judgement will always be in his favour.

(The acronym I use to remember the finance policies is: W  TF / DRM / EFF / S ) Withdrawal of the wars (apart of his royal prerogative) Reduce expenditure on foreign policies - Many puritans were not happy and wanted to catholicism to die out in France and Spain ● 1629 - Treaty of Susa ● 1630 - Treaty of Madrid Tonnage and Poundage (unconstitutional) In 1625 Charles was granted tonnage and poundage for only one year but he continued to collect it - MPs would be angry / grievances increases ● Collected in 1631-35 = £270,000 ● Custom duties risen by 1639 = 425,000 Feudal dues including wardship (apart of his royal prerogative) Crown has the right to inherit any estate by an heir under age of 21 - Annoy/ bitterness between the political nations ● Increased to £75,000 a year

Distraint of Knighthood fines (apart of his royal prerogative) Owning a property worth more than £40 a year and wasn’t knighted by Charles at his coronation. Charles fined people in 1630, the act hasn’t been exercised by a monarch since 1278. - This causes a lot of bitterness towards Charles and highlights the problems of an uncodified constitution. ● By 1635 Charles raised £17,500 Recusancy fines ( (apart  of his royal prerogative) Those who refused to go to Church were fines - This was apart of Laud reform for uniformity. - Annoyed many puritans dislike the Church. ● Fines increased from £5,300 in 1620 to £26,866 in 1634

Monopolies (Unconstitutional) Giving companies exclusive rights to produce, sell, import and export products. The 1624 monopoly act ruled it is illegal for individuals to hold a monopoly power but Charles uses a loophole. ● Charles earned £33,000 - Caused grievances because Parliament passed the Act of monopoly Enclosure fines (apart of his royal prerogative) Those who illegally closed off common land. Fines for not leaving London (apart of his royal prerogative) The king had the right to order the gentry to return to the counties. As they had significant power in their counties and Charles needed their help to consolidate Charles’ power. It fined 250 people - 250 people who are apart of the political national causing discontent - Short term revenue ● One of the people who were fined was William palmer - fined for £1,000 Forest fines (apart of his royal prerogative) Fined Landowners whose estates encroach on ancient boundaries- these weren’t clear Charles used dubious maps and documents from Edward I (1239-1302) to estimate royal forest areas.

- Many viewed it as petty and hunters were not happy ● Raised £36,667 Ship Money (apart of royal prerogative / unconstitutional) Levied in times of war to find the navy. By October 1634 must be paid by coastal areas and by august 1634 it was extended to inner lands despite there being no war. But in 1635 Charles made Ship money a permanent tax for everyone. - It caused debates on the legality of it - however people couldn’t discuss their grievances ● Raised 3 subsidies a year £200,000 - 90% of people paid for it.

John Moril (Historian)- It's like a ‘ coiled spring” Charles adding a lot of pressure which will soon erupt - which we see in the later years of the period. The Hampden Case of 1634 John a prominent member of the gentry was close to John Pym (Charles’ main opposition after the personal rule) ● In November 1637 Charles took Hampden to court for his refusal to pay. The trial should make it clear Charles authority should be obeyed. ● It was to debate the wider issue of Constitutional issues. ● Judgment for the crown by a narrow majority. 7 to 5 voted against Hampden. The slim win highlighted personal rule was under strain.

CHARLES AND RELIGION BACKGROUND INFO There’s a lack of unity across the three kingdoms Charles aimed to religious and political uniformity. The situation in England The English population was moderately Calvinist and Charles decision with Laudianism to try a new, more restrictive religious uniformity and broke the Jacobean balance. National church = Anglican Church but being shifted to an Arminian church Anglicans/ Calvinist - the majority Puritans - Minority but a large influence with high ranks and apart of the political nation Catholics - Minority and still feared by many protestant Arminianism - a minority but large influence from Charles and Laud The situation in Ireland National church = Protestant church Catholics - the majority Calvinist - Minority but with a lot of power Presbyterians - Minority The situation in Scotland Presbyterians- Majority were in the low land Catholics - minority were in the high land Charles’ aim ● Wanted to unite the isle ● Wanted the national church to be Arminian Laudianism The majority of the political nation was conservative Anglican in religion and the centre of Jacobean balance. They were tolerant towards both Puritans and Arminians. Newton (Historian) - ‘ the less demanding nature of Arminianism with emphasis on ceremony , music and image appeared to the bulk of moderately calvnist’

Ultimately it was Charles favouring Arminianism specifically laudianism in the 1630s which triggered the wars by forcing a reaction from Puritans and alienating the Calvnist majority. Peter Lake (Historian) referred to this period as ‘ conspiracy theory mentality’

Key chronology of William Laud 1625 ● supervised at Charles coronation ● Preached at Charles’ opening of the First parliament ● Promoted to Bishop of Bath and Wells and dean of Royal Chapel 1626 ● Appointed to the privy Council 1628 ● Appointed as Bishop of London 1633 ● Archbishop of Canterbury - dominated the Star Chamber, High Commission and Privy Council

Laudian reforms (An acronym to use is 3C’s + 2 B’s + PARLE) Communion table The Communion table is usually in front of the congregation but it was moved and railed off to the east of the Church. It’s separate from the congregation. Church services more emphasis on ceremonies More of a sign of the cross and light a candle Conformity ● Clergies who didn’t conform were suspended ● Laud would visit churches to see if clergies were enforcing reforms ● Used High commission/ Star Chamber to prosecute critics ● Censorship of hostile books and Pamphlets

Beauty of Holiness More music, decorations and stained glasses. Bishops greater influence in government

Bishop Juxons of London became the first clerical to be Lord Treasurer Priest wore elaborate vestments This is very expensive and decorative Attack on Feoffees Puritans bough parishes to choose their own religious laws and rules. But lost control as the court banned it in 1633. Parishes were taken as a gift for Charles. Raised taxes (Tithes) Paid directly to the clergy and not to the gentry who would usually take the tithes Limited preaching Puritans street lecturers were prosecuted. Encourage the clergy to do the sermons on the Divine right of Kings Consolidate Charles’ power through religious devices

Were the reforms necessary? Yes ● ● ● ●

Beauty of holies - was necessary because many of the Churches were in a poor state and some were pig sites. The reform was needed to dignify the church. Moving the communion table - was necessary because of a dog who jumped on the table and ate the bread-this is to protect the communion table Tithes - this was needed to raise more money for the church and end the corruption of people in the gentry Attack on the feoffees and Laud visits - this was needed for uniformity, ensuring everyone followed the one Church.

These reforms were necessary to have a uniformed church and decrease opposition. No ● ● ● ●

Priests wearing elaborate vestments and emphasis on Ceremonies - a Catholic practice Moving the communion table - Moving it to the east and railing off was a Catholic practice which angered people - St Gregory Reforms to the 39 articles - shifting away from the Anglican church would cause people to be angry Bishops position in government - mixing religious leaders in politics is not

These reforms created more division. As Puritans hated the catholic influence in the reforms. Some argued that Charles and Laud had restored Catholicism all but in name and used the Church as an instrument for absolutism. - Link to the ‘protestant nightmare ‘ has become true.

Puritans oppositions to the reform St Gregory 1633 Challenged the reforms by moving the communion table from the east to the front of the congregation. This issue was brought to privy councillors to debate if it was allowed. Bishops / Privy councillors accepted the reforms and the communion table had to be moved back to the east and railed off. John Williams Bishop was imprisoned in 1637 as a result of publishing ‘ The Holy Table Name And Thing’ Williams stated that term altar is catholic and Charles/ Laud are restoring catholicism. Prynne, Bastwick and Burton In 1633 well respected Puritans Prynne was imprisoned for his pamphlet ‘Histriomastix’ which criticised Charles and attacked Henrietta. In 1637 Batswick and Burton wrote against Bishops and the Church hierarchy. Both were imprisoned and fined £5,000. All three of them had their ears cut off for their writings - this did gain them a lot of sympathies. John Liburne Helped distribute Batswick and Burton. In February 1636 Liburne was found guilty by the Star Chamber for unlicensed literature. He was whipped and sent to prison.

The Great Migration Puritans fled England to go to America for religious freedom led by John Winthrop. 60,000 people in total left this included Charles’ oppositions. Puritan Network Godly Party made up of politically active puritans (lords/gentry and lawyers). It was made in the absence of parliament this group was the core political opposition to Charles through meeting in secret. It was a well-organised group and they didn’t keep records thus can’t be prosecuted.

The Canons 1640 Laud set a new ecclesiastical Canon to assert Charles’ authority. ● Clergy had to swear an oath to the 39 articles ● Shifted the ideology of salvation as defined in the 39 articles away from Holy scriptures to Bishops. - Catholic belief when you confess your sins to a Bishop ● Stricter on religious oppositions

Laudianism in Scotland The Kirk : Calvnist Church Of Scotland The National Covenant: Declaration of allegiance. Those who took were called Covenanters which the promise to defend the true religion.

Key Chronology 1625 - Act of revocation

Charles’ aim ● Uniform the Church ● Unite England and Scotland together ● Consolidate his Kingship in Scotland ● Limit Scotland’s Independence of the Church and Government ● Introduce Lauadian reforms and practices

Charles in Scotland 1625 - 37 1625 Act of revocation- This is a feudal right to take land from Scottish elite to support the Church of Scotland. This was to exert his dominance. This act set a precedent of how Charles would approach Scotland. 1625 Articles of Perth This was to reform the Scottish Church made during James’ reign in 1618. It included 5 parts addressing different issues such as kneeling at communion , confirmation from bishops and ect . To presbyterians these were very Catholic and didn’t like it. Charles issued a proclamation in 1625 commanding observation of the Articles. 1633 Charles visits Scotland Charles visits Scotland to be crowned King. It was his first time going to Scotland since he took over from James in 1625. This left a bad impression on the Scots as it took Charles 8 years to get to Scotland , it showed how Scotland wasn’t his priority nor did he care for the people.

Charles’ coronation raised questions. He Changed the location to Edinburgh Holyrood Palace and Charles chose a form of ceremony which the Scots felt it was to Carholic. Charles furthered the issue by introducing Bishops in Edinburgh and raising the status of St Giles Church to a cathedral these were actions which were regarded as Catholic. 1636 New canons were introduced in Scotland Charles imposed new canons (Church laws) ● The altar had to be placed against the east wall ● Ministers had to wear a surplice during the communion ● Improvised prayer were banned. Had to read from the new prayer book. All these reforms highlighted the return of Catholicism. Charles passed these using his royal prerogative thus it couldn’t be discussed by The General assembly or the Kirk. 1637 New prayer book The new Laudian prayer book was introduced without Parliament or the Kirk. The problem with the book was how it leaned towards Catholicsm and subverting their religious freedom. July 1637 St Giles Cathedral The head minister of the Church was read the Prayer book to the congregation. This led to a riot, Jenny Geddles a person apart of the congregation threw a stool at the minister and others assaulted him. Political reaction to the new Prayer An emergency body called The table dealt with it. ● February 1638 the National covenant was drawn up. ● November 1638 General Assembly of the Kirk abolished Bishops nd rejected the Canons

First Bishop War 1638 The turning of the Scottish rebellion to armed conflict was known as the Bishop’s war as the Scots were opposing the imposition of Laudianism Why did Charles lost the First Bishop war ? ● 15,000 poorly trained militias ● Unpopular war , people didn’t want to fight scotland ● No parliament to pay for finances - didn’t recall it ● Charles struggled to collect ship money ● Charles’ army wasn’t ready until April 1639 - Gave Scots more time to prepare. ● Charles had a lot of issues to overcome which meant at the beginning of the war he was not prepared for war. This allowed Scotland to have more time to equip and prepare themselves.

Lead up to the second Bishop War In June 1639 there were discussions for peace - Berswick Truce- which was disbandment both armies however covenanters didn’t trust Charles and did not disband their army. In September 1639 Charles recalled Strafford from Ireland, he advised him to reopen Parliament.

Short Parliament April 13 - May 5 1640 Charles recalls parliament for only 3 weeks. Charles demanded that Parliament should vote for giving Charles taxes then he would consider his grievances. Commons were led by Hampden and Pym who were determined to criticise the personal rule and turned their attention to religion in which Charles dissolved Parliament. Second Bishops war August 1640 The Scots crossed the river Tweed and was able to sieged newcastle. There was little resistance from Charles. Treaty of Ripon October 1640 An agreement signed by Charles and the Covenanters Charles had to pay the Scots £850 per day.

Long Parliament November 1640 : End for the Personal rule ‘ There is a design to alter the King both in religion and in government.’ Grievances ● Laudianism ● Finance - Ship money and Tonnage and Poundage ● Laud and Strafford

Security in ireland Thomas Wentworth - Earl of Strafford Growth: 1626 - spoke out against Buckingham 1627 - Refused to pay Forced Loans 1628 - Vocally supported the Petition of Rights 1628 - (Turning point) Became a Supporter of Charles earned the name Grand Apostate 1632- Became the Lord Deputy of Ireland 1639 - Became Charles’ Chief advisor

Ulster Plantation 1609 This was the idea of the ulster plantation came from James who wanted there to a protestant identity in Ireland. So they would send English protestant to move to the northern part of ireland to create communities and establish a protestant Church over there. How did Strafford want to run Ireland ? ‘ Through Government ‘ He wanted conformity, divide and rule.

Strafford Aims ● Increase the revenue ● Establish an authoritarian rule under Charles ● Introduce Laudian reforms

Strafford in ireland Imposed Laudian reforms ● Introduced the 39 articles in 1634 ● High commission court was set up to enforce the ecclesiatical (clergy / bishop) reforms Stafford authority Strafford became the Lord Deputy of Ireland. Strafford used threats and frightening people in the Irish council / Parliament into submission Finance Raised income by increasing Custom duties In 1634 Strafford forced the Irish Parliament to vote for 6 Subsidies

Used the High Commission court to claim land and Tithes which generated a lot of money Army Set up an army consisting mostly of Catholic Irish people and used the revenue he acquired to do so .

Straffords Success’ Finance Irish revenue increased to £80,000 Before Stafford they had a huge deficit which decreased Military Formed a military was smart because it meant he had power and can use it to his advantage to impose laws and threatened people but most importantly it was for security reasons. Political Created an authoritarian identity More people respected Charles Religion Catholics and Anglicans supported Laudianism

Strafford Failures Religion Implementing the Laudian reforms alienated and defeats the purpose of the Protestants who moved there to create a protestant identity. Political Threatening the council and parliament will cause bitterness In short term it was successful. However, in the long run it was a failure. when Stafford left Ireland in 1640 there was a power vacuum - in which people were left confused about who was going to run the country and Ireland became unstable . Strafford rule in Ireland also raised questions on what Charles and Stafford were really doing in ireland. A Lot of Puritans including John Pym called it a ‘ Blueprint for absolutism’ they  believed Ireland was...