Born – 19th November 1600
Died – 30th January 1649 (executed)
Father – King James I of England, VI of Scotland (1566 – 1625)
Mother – Anne of Denmark (1574 – 1619)
Spouse – Henrietta Maria of France (1609 – 1669)
Children – Charles (1629), King Charles II (1630 – 1685), Mary (1631 – 1660), King James II (VII of Scotland) (1633 – 1701), Elizabeth (1635 – 1650), Anne (1637 – 1640), Catherine (1639), Henry (1640 – 1660), Henrietta (1644 – 1670)
King of England and Scotland – 1625 – 1649
Predecessor – King James I of England, VI of Scotland – 1625 – 1649
Successor – Interregnum – Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector – 1649 – 1658
1600 (19th November)
King Charles I was born to King James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark at Dunfermline Palace, Scotland.
1600 (23rd December)
Charles was christened at Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh by David Lindsay, Bishop of Ross.
1600 (23rd December)
Charles was created Duke of Albany, Marquess of Ormonde, Earl of Ross and Baron of Ardmannoch.
1602 (18th January)
Charles’s brother, Robert Bruce, was born to James and Anne of Denmark at Dunfermline Castle.
1603 (24th March)
Charles’s father, James succeeded to the English throne as King James I after Queen Elizabeth I died.
1603 (5th April)
Charles’s father left Edinburgh for London. His mother, Anne remained in Scotland with her children because she was heavily pregnant.
1603 (May)
Charles’s mother was delivered of a stillborn son at Stirling Castle.
1603 (July)
Having recovered from her stillbirth, Charles’s mother, Anne, travelled south to London with Prince Henry. Charles was left in Scotland in the care of Lord Fyvie of Dunfermline because he was considered too weak to make the journey south.
1604 (August)
Charles was sent to England where he was put into the care of Sir Robert and Lady Carey.
1605 (6th January)
Charles, was created Duke of York and made a Knight of the Bath.
1605 (8th April)
Charles’s sister, Mary, was born to James and Anne of Denmark at Greenwich Palace.
1605 (5th November)
Gunpowder Plot
A plot to assassinate King James and the government by blowing up the Houses of Parliament on the day of the state opening of Parliament by the King, was uncovered. Guido Fawkes and the other perpetrators were executed.
A plot to assassinate King James and the government by blowing up the Houses of Parliament on the day of the state opening of Parliament by the King, was uncovered. Guido Fawkes and the other perpetrators were executed.
1606 (during)
Charles began his formal education. Thomas Murray was appointed his tutor and he learnt classics, languages, mathematics and religion.
1607 (16th September)
Charles’s sister, Mary died at Stanwell Park, Staines, Middlesex.
1610 (4th June)
Charles’s elder brother, Henry, was created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
1611 (24th April)
Charles, was made a Knight of the Garter.
1612 (6th November)
Charles’s elder brother, Henry, died of typhoid. Charles became Duke of Cornwall and Rothesay and heir to the throne on his brother’s death.
1613 (14th February)
Charles’s sister, Elizabeth married Frederick V, Elector of Palatine at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall Palace, London.
1616 (4th November)
Charles, was invested Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester at Whitehall Palace, London.
1619 (2nd March)
Charles’s mother, Anne of Denmark, died from dropsy at Hampton Court Palace, London.
1620 (during)
Thirty Years’ War
Charles’s sister, Elizabeth and her husband Frederick of Palatine were deposed and exiled from Bohemia by the new Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II and Spanish troops invaded the Rhineland.
Charles’s sister, Elizabeth and her husband Frederick of Palatine were deposed and exiled from Bohemia by the new Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II and Spanish troops invaded the Rhineland.
1623 (February)
Despite Parliament’s wish that he marry a Protestant, Charles travelled to Spain with the Duke of Buckingham in an attempt to secure a marriage to Maria Anna, daughter of Philip III of Spain. Maria Anna did not want to marry Charles and the Spanish insisted on impossible terms if the marriage were to go ahead.
1624 (February)
Having failed to win the hand of Maria Anna of Spain, Charles determined to find a French bride and make war against the Habsburgs and Spain. Although Charles had the support of Parliament, his father refused to declare war on Spain.
1625 (early March)
Charles’s father, King James, suffered a stroke.
1625 (27th March)
Charles became King Charles I after his father died after contracting dysentery.
1625 (1st May)
Charles I married Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry IV of France by proxy at Notre Dame in Paris, France.
1625 (14th May)
Captain John Powell landed on the Caribbean island of Barbados and claimed it for England.
1625 (13th June)
King Charles I married Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry IV of France at St Augustine’s Church, Canterbury, Kent. The marriage was not popular because she was a Catholic. Under the terms of the marriage it was agreed that Henrietta Maria could remain a catholic but their children were to be raised as Protestants.
1626 (2nd February)
Charles was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey. Henrietta Maria refused to take part in the ceremony because it was a Protestant ritual.
1626 (Spring)
Parliament was unhappy with the behaviour of Charles’ chief minister, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham had led a failed mission to Cadiz and it appeared that he was planning to help the French put down the Protestant Huguenot uprising. Parliament therefore moved to have Buckingham dismissed from office.
1626 (May)
Charles nominated Buckingham as Chancellor of Cambridge University. He did this to show his support for the duke.
1626 (May)
Charles arrested Dudley Digges and Sir John Eliot and had them imprisoned for speaking against Buckingham. Parliament was very angry at this action by Charles stating that there was freedom of speech in the House of Commons.
1626 (12th June)
Parliament protested to Charles about the behaviour of Buckingham calling for him to be removed from office. Charles refused to comply and resented Parliament’s interference with his choices. Rather than dismiss Buckingham Charles chose to dismiss parliament.
1626 (August)
Charles and his wife had quarrelled for much of their first year of marriage about her religion and her household. In a bid for a better relationship with his wife, Charles dismissed most of her French attendants.
1627 (during)
King Charles I sent a force led by Buckingham to aid the Protestant Huguenots who were being persecuted by the French King. Buckingham failed in his mission which made him even more unpopular.
1627 (during)
Charles imposed a forced loan to raise money for the war in France.
1627 (November)
Five Knights Case aka Darnell’s Case
Five knights, Thomas Darnell, John Corbet, Walter Earle, John Heveningham and Edmund Hampden challenged the King’s right to impose taxation independently of parliament. The court found in the King’s favour.
Five knights, Thomas Darnell, John Corbet, Walter Earle, John Heveningham and Edmund Hampden challenged the King’s right to impose taxation independently of parliament. The court found in the King’s favour.
1628 (13th March)
Charles needed money to finance the war with France and Spain and reluctantly recalled Parliament.
1628 (14th April)
Charles re-issued the Thirty Nine Articles into the Church of England. This was seen as a move towards Rome and evidence of the King’s Catholic leanings.
1628 (7th June)
Petition of Right
Parliament formed a committee of grievances and prepared a Petition of Right which was presented to the King. The Petition was designed to protect subjects from any further taxation unauthorised by Parliament. Charles reluctantly signed the document.
Parliament formed a committee of grievances and prepared a Petition of Right which was presented to the King. The Petition was designed to protect subjects from any further taxation unauthorised by Parliament. Charles reluctantly signed the document.
1628 (late June)
King Charles I dismissed parliament and declared that he had the right to collect taxation without parliament’s assent.
1628 (23rd August)
George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, was stabbed to death by naval lieutenant John Felton. Charles was deeply upset by the death of his friend and secluded himself in his bedroom for two days.
1628 (November)
The death of Buckingham had brought Charles and Henrietta Maria much closer.
1629 (January)
Charles re-opened parliament. He again, asserted his right to impose taxation independently of parliament.
1629 (2nd March)
The Three Resolutions
There were outbursts in Parliament when the Petition of Right was debated and the doors were locked to keep royal guards out. The Speaker, who wanted to adjourn the proceedings, was held in his chair. Parliament passed three resolutions:
1.That they would condemn any move to change religion.
2. That they would condemn any taxation levied without Parliament’s authority.
3. That any merchant who paid ‘illegal’ taxes betrayed the liberty of England.
Charles’s response was to dismiss Parliament.
There were outbursts in Parliament when the Petition of Right was debated and the doors were locked to keep royal guards out. The Speaker, who wanted to adjourn the proceedings, was held in his chair. Parliament passed three resolutions:
1.That they would condemn any move to change religion.
2. That they would condemn any taxation levied without Parliament’s authority.
3. That any merchant who paid ‘illegal’ taxes betrayed the liberty of England.
Charles’s response was to dismiss Parliament.
1629 (March)
Charles arrested nine members of the Commons for offences against the state. Three were imprisoned. This action by the King made him more unpopular. The King, defended his action by stating his belief in his own divine right saying that ‘Princes are not bound to give account of their actions, but to God alone.’ He then dissolved parliament.
1629 (after March)
Without parliament, Charles could not finance war with France or Spain and so made peace with both countries.
1629 (13th May)
A son, Charles, was born to Charles and Henrietta Maria, he died soon after birth.
1630 (29th May)
A son, Charles, was born to Charles and Henrietta Maria at St James’s Palace, London.
1631 (4th November)
A daughter, Mary, was born to Charles and Henrietta Maria at St James’s Palace, London.
1632 (January)
Thomas Wentworth was created Lord Deputy of Ireland.
1633 (August)
Charles appointed William Laud as Archbishop of Canterbury. Laud was known to have Catholic leanings and Charles hoped that his appointment would help to stop the rise of the Puritans.
1633 (18th June)
Charles was crowned King of Scotland at Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh. He upset many Scottish lords by insisting that his coronation follow Anglican tradition.
1633 (14th October)
A son, James, was born to Charles and Henrietta Maria at St James’s Palace, London.
1634 (during)
Ship Money
This was a tax traditionally paid by coastal towns in times of war to pay for the defense of the coast. In a bid to raise more money, Charles now imposed the tax on the whole country.
This was a tax traditionally paid by coastal towns in times of war to pay for the defense of the coast. In a bid to raise more money, Charles now imposed the tax on the whole country.
1635 (29th December)
A daughter, Elizabeth, was born to Charles and Henrietta Maria at St James’s Palace, London.
1637 (during)
King Charles I ordered that the Book of Common Prayer be used in all Scottish churches. It was widely resisted by the Scottish clergy and people.
1637 (17th March)
A daughter, Anne, was born to Charles and Henrietta Maria at St James’s Palace, London.
1637 (23rd July)
There were riots in Edinburgh against the use of the Book of Common Prayer.
1638 (February)
National Covenant
A National Covenant was formed which protested against any religious interference in Scotland by England. The Bishops installed in Scotland by James I were expelled.
A National Covenant was formed which protested against any religious interference in Scotland by England. The Bishops installed in Scotland by James I were expelled.
1638 (June)
John Hampden, challenged the King’s right to impose Ship Money but he lost the case and the court ruled that the King was the only authority that could impose such a tax.
1639 (26th January)
Charles I announced that he intended to raise an army against the Scots to enforce his aims on Scotland
1639 (March)
First Bishop’s War
War broke out between Scotland and England over Charles’ move to impose his aims on Scotland.
War broke out between Scotland and England over Charles’ move to impose his aims on Scotland.
1639 (April)
First Bishop’s War
Thomas Wentworth led an army against the Scots but was defeated on the border.
Thomas Wentworth led an army against the Scots but was defeated on the border.
1639 (May)
First Bishop’s War
Charles made another attempt to land forces in Scotland but was unsuccessful. Wentworth told Charles that he needed money to raise a more efficient army and that he should recall Parliament.
Charles made another attempt to land forces in Scotland but was unsuccessful. Wentworth told Charles that he needed money to raise a more efficient army and that he should recall Parliament.
1639 (5th June)
First Bishop’s War
English troops were forced to withdraw from Scotland.
English troops were forced to withdraw from Scotland.
1639 (11th June)
Pacification of Berwick
Without the means to beat the Scots, Charles was forced to agree a temporary truce with Scotland.
Without the means to beat the Scots, Charles was forced to agree a temporary truce with Scotland.
1639 (29th June)
A daughter, Catherine, was born to Charles and Henrietta Maria at St James’s Palace, London. She died later that day.
1639 (September)
Charles recalled Thomas Wentworth from Ireland to advise him on how to proceed. Wentworth along with Archbishop Laud became Charles’s main advisers and supporters.
1640 (January)
Charles created Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford.
1640 (April)
Oliver Cromwell was elected Member of Parliament for Cambridge. He openly criticised Charles’s taxes and the level of corruption in the Church of England.
1640 (13th April)
Short Parliament
King Charles I had summoned parliament in a bid to raise money to renew the war with Scotland. When the new parliament sat for the first time its members determined to force Charles to settle their grievances with his rule. In a bid to appease parliament, Charles agreed to abandon ‘ship money’ but parliament did not feel this went far enough.
King Charles I had summoned parliament in a bid to raise money to renew the war with Scotland. When the new parliament sat for the first time its members determined to force Charles to settle their grievances with his rule. In a bid to appease parliament, Charles agreed to abandon ‘ship money’ but parliament did not feel this went far enough.
1640 (5th May)
Short Parliament
Charles dismissed parliament because they would not agree to his terms.
Charles dismissed parliament because they would not agree to his terms.
1640 (Summer)
Charles was facing bankruptcy. He tried to raise a loan but was turned down by foreign countries and the City of London.
1640 (July)
King Charles I seized a quantity of silver bullion from the mint in the Tower of London. He stated that he had taken it as a loan and would repay with interest.
1640 (8th July)
A son, Henry, was born to Charles and Henrietta Maria at St James’s Palace, London.
1640 (3rd August)
Second Bishop’s War
The Scots, seeing how the short parliament had resisted Charles, prepared to invade England.
The Scots, seeing how the short parliament had resisted Charles, prepared to invade England.
1640 (28th August)
Battle of Newburn
A Scottish force invaded England, defeated the English force and captured Northumberland and Durham.
A Scottish force invaded England, defeated the English force and captured Northumberland and Durham.
1640 (October)
Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, set out for the Scottish border with a makeshift army. However, the army mutinied and the Scots seized English land. The Scots demanded a daily rate be paid until a satisfactory treaty was put in place.
1640 (26th October)
Treaty of Ripon
This treaty between Scotland and England allowed the Scots to stay in Durham and Northumberland until a final settlement was concluded.
This treaty between Scotland and England allowed the Scots to stay in Durham and Northumberland until a final settlement was concluded.
1640 (3rd November)
Long Parliament
Charles had no choice but to recall Parliament because he needed money to pay for an efficient army to defeat the Scots. However, once again, Parliament refused to grant him any money unless he agreed to their demands which included an agreement that parliament should meet once every five years and the arrest of Strafford for treason. Charles had no choice but to comply.
Charles had no choice but to recall Parliament because he needed money to pay for an efficient army to defeat the Scots. However, once again, Parliament refused to grant him any money unless he agreed to their demands which included an agreement that parliament should meet once every five years and the arrest of Strafford for treason. Charles had no choice but to comply.
1640 (5th November)
Charles’s daughter, Anne, died.
1640 (11th November)
Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford was impeached by Parliament.
1640 (7th December)
Parliament declared that ‘ship money’ was an illegal tax and should be abolished.
1640 (18th December)
Archbishop Laud was impeached by Parliament.
1641 (16th February)
Triennial Act
This act allowed Parliament to be summoned without royal command at least once every three years.
This act allowed Parliament to be summoned without royal command at least once every three years.
1641 (22nd March)
Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, was tried for treason but the case collapsed.
1641 (20th April)
Determined to see Strafford executed, parliament passed a bill of attainder against Strafford with sentenced him to death.
1641 (12th May)
Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, was executed on Tower Hill.
1641 (5th July)
Parliament was very critical of the King’s handling of matters in both Ireland and Scotland and passed propositions that Parliament and not the King should be responsible for the country’s defence. Parliament also abolished the Court of Star Chamber, the Council of Wales, the Council of the North and the Court of High Commission.
1641 (22nd October)
A Catholic rebellion broke out in Ulster and quickly spread across the country. Many Protestant settlers were driven from their homes and the rebellion became war.
1641 (1st December)
Grand Remonstrance
This document, put together by Pym, listed all Parliament’s grievances against the King since his reign began.
This document, put together by Pym, listed all Parliament’s grievances against the King since his reign began.
1642 (4th January)
Charles instructed his attorney-general to issue a charge of treason against one peer and five members of the Commons including Pym and Hampden. When Parliament refused to recognise the charge, Charles sent a troop of horsemen to make the arrests. However, Parliament had been warned and the five men had fled. This move by Charles was extremely unpopular and across the country people declared themselves for Parliament and against Popery.
1642 (10th January)
Charles removed himself and his family from Whitehall to Hampton Court.
1642 (12th February)
Charles refused to pass control of the military to Parliament.
1642 (13th February)
King Charles’s wife, Henrietta Maria, accompanied their daughter, Mary to The Hague for her marriage to Prince William of Orange. While in the Netherlands Henrietta Maria raised funds to support Charles’s battle against Parliament.
1642 (5th March)
Militia Ordnance
This gave parliament control of the Militia, the only armed body in the country.
This gave parliament control of the Militia, the only armed body in the country.
1642 (23rd April)
Charles tried to secure an arsenal of equipment left in Hull from his Scottish campaign. He was blocked by Sir John Hotham, with parliamentary and naval support and was forced to retire to York. Charles made his headquarters in York.
1642 (1st June)
Nineteen Propositions
The Nineteen Propositions were issued by Parliament in the hopes of reaching a settlement with the King. They called for a new constitution recognising their own supremacy; demanded that ministers and judges should be appointed by Parliament not by the King and also that all Church and military matters should come under the control of Parliament.
The Nineteen Propositions were issued by Parliament in the hopes of reaching a settlement with the King. They called for a new constitution recognising their own supremacy; demanded that ministers and judges should be appointed by Parliament not by the King and also that all Church and military matters should come under the control of Parliament.
1642 (18th June)
Charles rejected the Nineteen Propositions.
1642 (2nd July)
The navy declared itself for Parliament and the Earl of Warwick was appointed Admiral of the Fleet.
1642 (12th July)
Parliament voted to raise an army. The Earl of Essex was voted as Captain-General
1642 (21st August)
Charles’s nephews, Princes Rupert and Maurice of the Rhine, arrived to support him.
1642 (22nd August)
Charles raised his standard at Nottingham formally declaring war on parliament and beginning the English Civil War. However, both sides hoped that either war could be averted or that one decisive battle would put an end to the matter.
1642 (6th September)
The Puritan parliament ordered that all theatres be closed.
1642 (7th September)
The vital port and fortress of Portsmouth surrendered to Parliament after being captured by Sir William Waller.
1642 (23rd September)
Battle of Powick Bridge
This skirmish between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces was the first clash of arms. The Royalist force, led by Prince Rupert were victorious.
This skirmish between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces was the first clash of arms. The Royalist force, led by Prince Rupert were victorious.
1642 (23rd October)
Battle of Edgehill
In the early afternoon, Charles sent his army down the hill to meet the Parliamentary army commanded by Essex. On the royalist right was Prince Rupert who broke Essex’s left flank. In the centre, reinforcements arrived and they managed to push forward putting the lives of the King’s sons, Charles and James, in danger. The battle was a stalemate with neither side able to advance.
In the early afternoon, Charles sent his army down the hill to meet the Parliamentary army commanded by Essex. On the royalist right was Prince Rupert who broke Essex’s left flank. In the centre, reinforcements arrived and they managed to push forward putting the lives of the King’s sons, Charles and James, in danger. The battle was a stalemate with neither side able to advance.
1642 (12th November)
The Royalists led by Prince Rupert managed to surprise and capture Brentford.
1642 (13th November)
The Parliamentarians, led by Essex, blocked Prince Rupert’s route to London at Turnham Green. The Royalist commander decided to retire rather than fight.
1642 (29th November)
Charles moved his base to Oxford.
1643 (19th January)
Battle of Braddock Down
The Royalists led by Ralph Hopton were victorious over the Parliamentarians led by Ruthvin.
The Royalists led by Ralph Hopton were victorious over the Parliamentarians led by Ruthvin.
1643 (1st February)
Negotiations to find a peace settlement began at Oxford but they proved unsuccessful.
1643 (February)
Henrietta Maria returned to England landing in Yorkshire.
1643 (19th March)
Battle of Hopton Heath
The Royalists commanded by the Earl of Northampton were defeated by the Parliamentarians led by Sir John Gell and Sir William Brereton.
The Royalists commanded by the Earl of Northampton were defeated by the Parliamentarians led by Sir John Gell and Sir William Brereton.
1643 (30th March)
Battle of Seacroft Moor
The Parliamentarians led by Sir Thomas Fairfax were defeated by a Royalist force led by George Goring.
The Parliamentarians led by Sir Thomas Fairfax were defeated by a Royalist force led by George Goring.
1643 (14th April)
The royalist forces at Reading were beaten by the Parliamentarians led by Essex. This victory left a clear route open for the the Parliamentarians to advance on the Royalist capital Oxford.
1643 (16th May)
Battle of Stratton
The Royalists led by Ralph Hopton attacked and defeated a Parliamentarian force led by the Earl of Stamford.
The Royalists led by Ralph Hopton attacked and defeated a Parliamentarian force led by the Earl of Stamford.
1643 (18th June)
Battle of Chalgrove
This was a small battle between the Parliamentarians led by Essex and the Royalists led by Prince Rupert. The Royalists were victorious.
This was a small battle between the Parliamentarians led by Essex and the Royalists led by Prince Rupert. The Royalists were victorious.
1643 (30th June)
Battle of Adwalton Moor the Royalist commander, William Cavendish, decided to try and enclose the Parliamentarian army led by Fairfax in Bradford. However, Fairfax, decided to fight but was beaten by the Royalists.
1643 (July)
Henrietta Maria joined Charles and her two eldest sons at Oxford.
1643 (1st July)
Westminster Assembly
This was a body appointed by Parliament to discuss reforming the Anglican Church.
This was a body appointed by Parliament to discuss reforming the Anglican Church.
1643 (5th July)
Battle of Lansdown Hill
The Parliamentarians led by William Waller positioned themselves on Lansdown Hill. They attacked the Royalists led by Ralph Hopton. Despite repeated cavalry attacks the Royalists held their position and the Parliamentarians were forced to retire.
The Parliamentarians led by William Waller positioned themselves on Lansdown Hill. They attacked the Royalists led by Ralph Hopton. Despite repeated cavalry attacks the Royalists held their position and the Parliamentarians were forced to retire.
1643 (13th July)
Battle of Roundaway Down
The Royalists led by Lord Wilmot charged the Parliamentary cavalry forcing them to flee. Wilmot then turned his attention to the Parliamentary infantry who stood firm until a force led by Hopton attacked them from behind. Caught between two Royalist armies the majority of Parliamentarian soldiers simply fled from the battlefield giving the Royalists victory.
The Royalists led by Lord Wilmot charged the Parliamentary cavalry forcing them to flee. Wilmot then turned his attention to the Parliamentary infantry who stood firm until a force led by Hopton attacked them from behind. Caught between two Royalist armies the majority of Parliamentarian soldiers simply fled from the battlefield giving the Royalists victory.
1643 (26th July)
Prince Rupert took Bristol for the Royalists.
1643 (28th July)
Battle of Gainsborough
A force led by Oliver Cromwell secured a decisive victory for the Parliamentarians.
A force led by Oliver Cromwell secured a decisive victory for the Parliamentarians.
1643 (10th August)
The Royalists lay siege to Gloucester and dug a tunnel but had to abandon it due to heavy rain.
1643 (2nd September)
Royalist forces led by the Earl of Newcastle lay siege to Hull.
1643 (5th September)
A Parliamentarian force led by the Earl of Essex broke the siege of Gloucester.
1643 (20th September)
First Battle of Newbury
The Parliamentarians led by Essex were marching to Newbury, a town sympathetic to the Parliamentarians, to rest. Unfortunately, Prince Rupert had already reached Newbury and so Essex was forced to fight. He moved the Parliamentarians before daybreak and secured the ‘Round Hill’, just south of Newbury. The surrounding countryside was criss-crossed with lanes and hedgerows which offered excellent cover for the foot soldiers but was quite unsuitable for horse. The battle was won by the Parliamentarians.
The Parliamentarians led by Essex were marching to Newbury, a town sympathetic to the Parliamentarians, to rest. Unfortunately, Prince Rupert had already reached Newbury and so Essex was forced to fight. He moved the Parliamentarians before daybreak and secured the ‘Round Hill’, just south of Newbury. The surrounding countryside was criss-crossed with lanes and hedgerows which offered excellent cover for the foot soldiers but was quite unsuitable for horse. The battle was won by the Parliamentarians.
1643 (25th September)
Solemn League and Covenant
This document swore to preserve the Church of Scotland and to reform the religion of England and Ireland ‘according to the word of God and the example of the best reformed churches’ and to protect ‘the rights and liberties of parliaments’.
This document swore to preserve the Church of Scotland and to reform the religion of England and Ireland ‘according to the word of God and the example of the best reformed churches’ and to protect ‘the rights and liberties of parliaments’.
1643 (11th October)
Battle of Winceby
This was a very short battle which lasted around half an hour and saw the Royalists defeated by a Parliamentarian force.
This was a very short battle which lasted around half an hour and saw the Royalists defeated by a Parliamentarian force.
1643 (12th October)
The Earl of Newcastle was forced to abandon the siege of Newcastle.
1644 (19th January)
A Scottish force crossed the border into England.
1644 (22nd January)
Charles I opened the Oxford Parliament.
1644 (25th January)
Battle of Nantwich – This battle was a resounding victory for the Parliamentarians, led by Sir Thomas Fairfax, over the Royalists led by Lord Byron. The victory broke the Royalist control of Cheshire.
1644 (February)
Charles appointed Prince Rupert as President of Wales.
1644 (12th March)
The trial of Archbishop Laud began in London.
1644 (29th March)
Battle of Cheriton
The Parliamentarians, led by William Waller and the Royalists led by Ralph Hopton were marching on Winchester. The Parliamentarian victory halted the Royalist advance.
The Parliamentarians, led by William Waller and the Royalists led by Ralph Hopton were marching on Winchester. The Parliamentarian victory halted the Royalist advance.
1644 (16th June)
A daughter, Henrietta, was born to Charles and Henrietta Maria at Bedford House, Exeter, England.
1644 (29th June)
Battle of Cropredy Bridge
This was an indecisive battle fought between the Parliamentarians led by William Waller and the Royalists led by King Charles I.
This was an indecisive battle fought between the Parliamentarians led by William Waller and the Royalists led by King Charles I.
1644 (2nd July)
Battle of Marston Moor
This was the largest single battle of the Civil War involving 45,000 men. Although the Royalists led by Prince Rupert were outnumbered, they decided to fight. They were defeated by a Parliamentarian force led by the Earl of Leven. For the first time since the Civil War had began Rupert’s cavalry were beaten by a Parliamentarian cavalry charge.
This was the largest single battle of the Civil War involving 45,000 men. Although the Royalists led by Prince Rupert were outnumbered, they decided to fight. They were defeated by a Parliamentarian force led by the Earl of Leven. For the first time since the Civil War had began Rupert’s cavalry were beaten by a Parliamentarian cavalry charge.
1644 (21st August)
Battle of Lostwithiel
This battle saw the Royalists led by Charles I defeat the Parliamentarians led by the Earl of Essex.
This battle saw the Royalists led by Charles I defeat the Parliamentarians led by the Earl of Essex.
1644 (18th September)
Battle of Montgomery
Prince Rupert’s force were weakened following the Battle of Marston Moor. The Parliamentarians took advantage of this and attacked Prince Rupert at Montgomery in Wales securing a victory which gave them control of Wales.
Prince Rupert’s force were weakened following the Battle of Marston Moor. The Parliamentarians took advantage of this and attacked Prince Rupert at Montgomery in Wales securing a victory which gave them control of Wales.
1644 (27th October)
Second Battle of Newbury
The Royalists were sandwiched between two Parliamentarian forces but each time the Parliamentarians made some gain they were beaten back by the Royalists. The battle, which lasted all day, ended in a draw.
The Royalists were sandwiched between two Parliamentarian forces but each time the Parliamentarians made some gain they were beaten back by the Royalists. The battle, which lasted all day, ended in a draw.
1645 (4th January)
Parliament agreed that a Presbyterian Directory of Worship should replace the Book of Common Prayer.
1645 (10th January)
Archbishop Laud was executed.
1645 (29th January)
Peace negotiations between King Charles I, Parliament and Scotland were held at Uxbridge but failed to find common ground and the war continued.
1645 (17th February)
New Model Army
Parliament ordered the creation of an army whose structure was to be based on ability rather than class and position. Regular drills ensured that the army was professional and very competent.
Parliament ordered the creation of an army whose structure was to be based on ability rather than class and position. Regular drills ensured that the army was professional and very competent.
1645 (3rd April)
Self Denying Ordinance
This bill stated that no member of Parliament could hold a position of command in the army or navy
This bill stated that no member of Parliament could hold a position of command in the army or navy
1645 (14th June)
Battle of Naseby
The Parliamentarians broke their siege on Oxford and forced the Royalists into battle. Initially the Royalists took up a defensive stance but later the order to attack was given. The battle lasted just three hours and saw the death of most of the Royalist foot soldiers. It was a decisive victory for Parliament. Charles fled the battlefield as soon as it was apparent that he had lost both the battle and the war.
The Parliamentarians broke their siege on Oxford and forced the Royalists into battle. Initially the Royalists took up a defensive stance but later the order to attack was given. The battle lasted just three hours and saw the death of most of the Royalist foot soldiers. It was a decisive victory for Parliament. Charles fled the battlefield as soon as it was apparent that he had lost both the battle and the war.
1645 (10th July)
Battle of Langport
The Royalist army commanded by George Goring was defeated by the New Model Army led by Thomas Fairfax.
The Royalist army commanded by George Goring was defeated by the New Model Army led by Thomas Fairfax.
1645 (11th September)
Bristol fell to the New Model Army.
1645 (24th September)
Battle of Rowton Heath
This battle saw the remnants of the Royalist cavalry defeated by the Parliamentarians.
This battle saw the remnants of the Royalist cavalry defeated by the Parliamentarians.
1646 (16th February)
Battle of Torrington
Thomas Fairfax defeated the remains of the Western Royalist army.
Thomas Fairfax defeated the remains of the Western Royalist army.
1646 (21st March)
Battle of Stow on the Wold
This was the last battle of the Civil War and saw the final defeat of the remains of the Royalist army.
This was the last battle of the Civil War and saw the final defeat of the remains of the Royalist army.
1646 (3rd May)
The New Model Army lay siege to the Royalist capital of Oxford where Charles was resident. However, Charles managed to escape dressed as a servant and fled to Scotland.
1646 (5th May)
King Charles I surrendered to the Scots at Newark and they took him north to Newcastle.
1646 (24th June)
Oxford, Charles I’s capital surrendered to Parliament
1647 (30th January)
After negotiations with the English parliament the Scots handed Charles over to parliament. He was imprisoned in Holdenby House, Northamptonshire
1647 (June)
The Puritan parliament ordered that Christmas was no longer to be celebrated with carols or feasting.
1647 (3rd June)
George Joyce, an officer of the New Model Army, seized Charles and took him to Newmarket. He was then transferred first to Oatlands and then to Hampton Court.
1647 (28th October)
Putney Debates
This was a series of debates held by different Parliamentarian forces to try to decide on a new constitution. Unfortunately it was impossible to find agreement between the different factions.
This was a series of debates held by different Parliamentarian forces to try to decide on a new constitution. Unfortunately it was impossible to find agreement between the different factions.
1647 (11th November)
Charles I escaped imprisonment and fled to Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight.
1647 (25th December)
Large crowds gathered in Canterbury to protest against Parliament’s order that Christmas Day should be seen as an ordinary day. They shut shops, decorated the streets with holly and demanded a church service be held for Christmas.
1647 (26th December)
King Charles I made a deal with Scotland whereby the Scots would invade England and help him to retake the throne. In return Charles agreed to change the religion of England to Presbyterianism.
1648 (February)
Second Civil War
War broke out again when John Poyer, former parliamentary soldier and Governor of Pembroke Castle refused to hand over his command to Fairfax. Like many others, he was dissatisfied with the disorder and lack of stability over the last two years.
War broke out again when John Poyer, former parliamentary soldier and Governor of Pembroke Castle refused to hand over his command to Fairfax. Like many others, he was dissatisfied with the disorder and lack of stability over the last two years.
1648 (late March)
John Poyer, Governor of Pembroke Castle, declared himself for the King.
1648 (April)
John Poyer was joined by soldiers with grievances against the New Model Army and others who wanted the monarchy restored.
1648 (8th May)
Battle of St Fagans
This was a battle between the New Model Army and an army of former Parliamentarians who had defected to the Royalists. The Royalists were easily defeated and many were killed or taken prisoner.
This was a battle between the New Model Army and an army of former Parliamentarians who had defected to the Royalists. The Royalists were easily defeated and many were killed or taken prisoner.
1648 (21st May)
The people of Kent rose for Charles. Royalists took control of the castles of Walmer, Deal and Sandown.
1648 (late May)
The navy declared itself for the King. Charles’s son, Charles, heir to the throne, took command of the navy.
1648 (1st June)
General Fairfax, commander of the New Model Army, marched on Kent. Locals fled to their homes while some Royalist leaders fled to Essex to raise support there.
1648 (12th June)
Fairfax had marched to Essex to put down rebellions there. The Royalists retreated to Colchester which Fairfax placed under siege.
1648 (5th June)
Colonel Nathaniel Rich of the New Model Army arrived in Dover and prevented Royalists from taking the castle.
1648 (8th July)
The Scots invaded England as agreed with Charles.
1648 (11th July)
Pembroke Castle fell to Cromwell.
1648 (12th July)
Colonel Nathaniel Rich managed to retake Walmer Castle from the Royalists.
1648 (15th July)
Colonel Rich came under fire from a force of Royalists warships that arrived off the coast of Deal.
1648 (16th July)
A force of mercenaries arrived in ships from Flanders. However, they soon left when the Royalists were unable to pay them.
1648 (April)
Oliver Cromwell prepared to march north against the Scots.
1648 (13th August)
A Royalist force of around 800 managed to land at Deal. They marched on the Parliamentarians but were given away by a defector and defeated.
1648 (17th August)
Battle of Preston
This was a battle between the New Model Army commanded by Oliver Cromwell and a combined army of Royalists and Scots commanded by the Duke of Hamilton. The two day battle was won by Cromwell’s forces.
This was a battle between the New Model Army commanded by Oliver Cromwell and a combined army of Royalists and Scots commanded by the Duke of Hamilton. The two day battle was won by Cromwell’s forces.
1648 (23rd August)
News reached Deal Castle that Royalists had been defeated at Preston.
1648 (25th August)
Deal Castle surrendered to Parliament.
1648 (28th August)
The Royalists in Colchester surrendered to Fairfax after learning of Parliament’s victory at Preston. Charles Lucas and George Lisle, Royalist leaders, were shot.
1648 (5th September)
Sandown Castle surrendered to Parliament.
1648 (27th November)
Parliament removed Robert Hammond from the role of Governor of the Isle of Wight.
1648 (5th December)
Although Parliament voted to negotiate with Charles, Cromwell and the army refused to negotiate.
1648 (6th December)
Pride’s Purge
Colonel Thomas Pride forcibly removed all members of Parliament that did not support the army and Cromwell.
Colonel Thomas Pride forcibly removed all members of Parliament that did not support the army and Cromwell.
1648 (December)
King Charles I was moved to Hurst Castle and then to Windsor Castle
1649 (6th January)
Rump Parliament
This parliament was formed from those members that had not been expelled by Thomas Pride in December. All were army loyalists and voted to give parliament the right to make new Acts of Parliament without the king’s approval. They also indicted King Charles on a charge of treason.
This parliament was formed from those members that had not been expelled by Thomas Pride in December. All were army loyalists and voted to give parliament the right to make new Acts of Parliament without the king’s approval. They also indicted King Charles on a charge of treason.
1649 (20th January)
King Charles was tried for treason by a High Court of Justice specially set up for the trial. Many members of parliament secretly objected to the trial and stayed away.
1649 (26th January)
The court found Charles guilty of using his power for personal interest rather than the good of the country and sentenced him to death.
1649 (29th January)
Charles was visited by his son, Henry and his daughter, Elizabeth.
1649 (30th January)
King Charles I was executed by beheading, in front of the Banqueting House at Whitehall Palace, London. He was buried in St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
Published Jul 28, 2018 @ 3:10 pm – Updated – [last-modified]
Harvard Reference for this page::
Heather Y Wheeler. (2018 – 2020). King Charles I of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland 1600 – 1649. https://www.thetimelinegeek.com/king-charles-i-1600-1649. Last accessed [date]