Charles I of England

Charles I (19 November 1600–30 January 1649) was King of England, Scotland and Ireland from 27 March 1625, until his death. He famously engaged in a struggle for power with Parliament; he was an advocate of the divine right of kings. Some in Parliament, however, feared that he was attempting to gain absolute power. There was widespread opposition to many of his actions, especially the levying of taxes without Parliament's consent.

Related Topics:
19 November - 1600 - 30 January - 1649 - England - Scotland - Ireland - 27 March - 1625 - Parliament - Divine right of kings - Absolute power - Tax

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Charles also adopted a religious policy that continued the Anglican "middle path," and was actively hostile to the Reformist tendencies of many of his English and Scottish subjects. His policy was obnoxious to Calvinist theology, and insisted that the Church of England's liturgy be celebrated with all of the ceremony and vestments called for by the Book of Common Prayer. Many of his subjects thought these policies brought the Church of England too close to Roman Catholicism.

Related Topics:
Anglican - Reformist - Calvinist - Church of England - Liturgy - Vestment - Book of Common Prayer - Roman Catholicism

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The last years of Charles's reign were marked by the English Civil War; he was opposed by the forces of Parliament (which challenged his attempts to augment his own power) and by Puritans (who were hostile to his religious policies). The war ended in defeat for Charles, who was subsequently tried, convicted and executed for what was called high treason, though the trial did not conform to a regular judicial proceedings and the actual charges alleged were unknown to the law. The monarchy was overthrown, and a republic was established. As time passed this regime became increasingly dependent upon the army and became in effect a military dictatorship. Frustration with the puritanical excesses of the Protectorate and its military backers led to its collapse. Charles's son, Charles II, returned to restore the monarchy in 1660.

Related Topics:
English Civil War - Puritans - High treason - Monarchy - Republic - Military dictatorship - Charles II - Restore - 1660

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