Charles I and His Tense Relationship with Parliament

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When Charles I ascended to the throne in 1625, following the death of his father, James I, the delicate balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament quickly began to unravel. Charles’ reign (1625-1649) was marked by frequent clashes with Parliament, which stemmed from deeper tensions regarding authority and governance.

Unlike his father, who had largely avoided direct conflict with the growing Puritan movement that had gained momentum during Queen Elizabeth I’s time, Charles I found himself unable to navigate this delicate situation. The Puritans, who represented not just a religious faction but also a rising social and political force, had a significant influence in Parliament. This group, primarily made up of middle-class citizens, sought a more equitable distribution of power between the monarchy and Parliament.

Charles, however, firmly believed in the divine right of kings—a concept that placed the monarch above any earthly authority, including Parliament. This belief made it difficult for him to compromise or collaborate, leading to continual disputes. Parliament, in turn, repeatedly denied him the funds he needed for both domestic affairs and foreign policy, exacerbating tensions further.

Despite these political struggles, Charles I is remembered for his patronage of the arts. He commissioned works from renowned artists such as Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641), laying the foundation for what would become the Royal Collection, one of the most significant art collections in the world.

Charles I’s inability to bridge the divide between his belief in absolute monarchy and the growing desire for parliamentary authority set the stage for the English Civil War and, ultimately, his downfall.

The Clash Between Charles I and Parliament

Charles I’s reign was marked by escalating tensions with Parliament, particularly over his involvement in foreign conflicts such as the war with Spain and military expeditions to France. These ventures drained the country’s resources and led to political strife. In 1628, Parliament responded by drafting the Petition of Right, a document similar in spirit to the Magna Carta, aimed at curbing the king’s powers. This crucial document denied the king the authority to:

  • Impose taxes or enforce compulsory loans without parliamentary consent;
  • Imprison subjects without cause or trial;
  • Enforce martial law during peacetime.

Though Charles reluctantly agreed to the Petition of Right, by 1629 he dissolved Parliament once again and ruled without it for the next 11 years. To fund his government, Charles introduced a tax known as “ship money.” Traditionally, coastal cities provided ships for the royal navy, but Charles expanded the tax, requiring all regions of England—coastal or not—to contribute money for shipbuilding, arguing that the navy protected the entire country.

Additional sources of conflict between Charles and Parliament stemmed from his personal and religious decisions. His marriage to Henrietta Maria (1609-1669), the Catholic daughter of French King Henry IV, was controversial in Protestant England. Furthermore, his appointment of William Laud (1573-1645), an anti-Puritan cleric, as Archbishop of Canterbury deepened the divide with Parliament, where Puritans held considerable influence.

These ongoing disputes contributed to the eventual breakdown in relations between the monarchy and Parliament, leading to the outbreak of the English Civil War.

Charles I Stuart and His Struggle with Parliament

In 1640, Charles I once again summoned Parliament, seeking funds to suppress a religious rebellion in Scotland. However, the first session, known as the Short Parliament, lasted only three weeks. It was dissolved when Parliament refused to meet the king’s demands for money. Later that same year, Parliament was reconvened, and this time it became known as the Long Parliament, as it continued until 1653.

Rather than granting Charles the financial support he sought, Parliament took steps to limit the king’s authority. They passed a new law requiring that Parliament must convene at least once every three years, thus curbing Charles’ ability to rule without parliamentary oversight. Additionally, William Laud, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was charged with treason and imprisoned in the Tower of London. Parliament also demanded control over the armed forces.

When Charles refused to relinquish military command, tensions escalated, and by 1642, England was plunged into civil war.

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