In 1642 England erupted into a bloody civil war between King Charles I and his Royalist supporters, and the supporters of Parliament. Charles’ attempts to rule without Parliament led to people taking sides.
What did the Royalists believe in?
The Royalists believed in the ‘Divine Right of Kings’ – that the king was appointed by God and could rule without Parliament. They accepted that the king was the commander of the armed forces and head of the Church of England. It was the king’s right to appoint ministers and to wage wars.
Some key Royalist figures:
Some of the main Royalists are listed below, see also the PowerPoint available to download in the Resources section for more.
James Stewart, 1st Duke of Richmond, 1612-1655
Leader of the Royalist team. A relative of the King, and very wealthy.
Skilled at bargaining and fighting. Defended Oxford for the King, and led the Royalist negotiators at Uxbridge.
William Seymour, 1st Marquis of Hertford, 1588-1660
A loyal companion to the King during his trial and imprisonment. Helped arrange the King’s funeral, but quarrelled with his nephews.
Thomas Wriothesley, 4th Earl of Southampton, 1607-1667
Known for his honesty and lack of corruption. Originally a supporter of Parliament, but changed sides due to the violence of some of the Parliamentary supporters.
What did the Parliamentarians believe in?
Most wanted a constitutional monarchy. Only some wanted to abolish the monarchy entirely. They were determined to preserve the ‘liberties’ of the people. They disliked the king’s costly and unsuccessful wars, and believed Parliament should play a greater role in governing the country.
Some Key Parliamentarians:
Some of the main Parliamentarians are listed below, see also the PowerPoint available to download in the Resources section for more.
Algernon Percy, 10th Earl of Northumberland, 1602-1668
Leader of the Parliamentary team. From one of England’s oldest noble families. Held moderate views and opposed the King’s execution.
Sir Bulstrode Whitlocke, 1605-1675
An influential man with a legal background and a love of music. Advised Cromwell to take the title of King.
Denzil Holles, 1st Baron Holles, 1598-16801
A fiery speaker in Parliament. Fought bravely at Edgehill in 1642. Disliked Cromwell and once tried to have him tried in court.
How clear was the division on both sides?
There were deeply held views on either side, especially on religious practices. But there was no clear social divide. Just as many gentlemen fought for Parliament as did for the King. Many families were split apart. Not all men fought because of belief. Some had political ambitions, others local loyalties. Some enlisted for better pay.
What was the outcome?
Parliament won the war, and Charles I became the only English king to be executed. He was succeeded by Oliver Cromwell, head of the first English republic – later a military dictator.
Key Facts
- The English Civil Wars were actually three separate conflicts between 1642 and 1651.
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Proportionally, more English people died during the Civil Wars than in the First and Second World Wars combined.
- The chief weapons were the pike and musket. Pikes could be 16 feet long. Soldiers were often punished for sawing them shorter.
- Parliament’s New Model Army was England’s first professional army, and the first to wear red uniforms.
- Uxbridge was the site of discussions aimed at ending the conflict in 1645.
- They failed and the King was executed at Whitehall in 1649. He never got to see the end of the war.