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King Charles I Inherits the Throne
Became heir to the throne at the age of 12 when his older brother died. -
Petition of Rights
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 signed the document reluctantly. -
MPs Arrested
Charles arrested nine members of the Commons for offences against the state. Three were imprisoned. This action by the King made him more unpopular. -
Ship Money (taxes)
This tax was paid by coastal towns to pay for the upkeep of the Royal Navy. In a bid to raise more money, Charles now imposed the tax on inland towns as well. -
Short Parliaments
The new Parliament refused to authorise any new taxes until the King agreed to abandon 'ship money'. The King Said that he would only abandon ship money if Parliament would grant him enough money to re-open war with Scotland. Parliament refused and was dismissed after three weeks. -
Long Parliament
Charles had to have money to pay for an efficient army with which to defeat the Scots. However., he couldn't have the moeny until he agreed toParliament's demands which included an Act which stated that parliament should meet once every five years and the arrest for treason if Strafford. Charles had no choice but to comply. -
Charles Arrests five MPs
Charles istructed his attorney-general to issue a charge of treason against one peer and five members of the Commons including Pym and Hampden. -
Charles I Imprisoned
The Scots handed Charles over to parliament. He was imprisoned in Holdenby House, Northamptonshire. -
Charles I Escaped
Charles I escaped imprisonment and fled to Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight. -
Charles I Recaptured
Charles I was recaptured and sent to Windsor Castle -
Rump Parliament
The Rump Parliament began. All members of Parliament who were in favour of negotiating with the King had be expelled. The Rump Parliament gave parliament the right to make new Acts of Parliament without the king's approval. -
Trial of King Charles I Began
King Charles was tried for treason by a High Court of Justice specially set up for the trial. The Court found Charles I guilty and sentenced him to death. -
The Execution of Charles I
King Charles I was executed by beheading, outside Whitehall Palace, London. He was buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor.
