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Charles I is Born
Charles I was born to James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark. As a child, he was very sickly and weak. When his brother Henry died (1612) and his sister Elizabeth left to marry Frederick V (1613) he became increasingly lonely. -
Marriage Treaty in Spain
Before succeeding the throne, Charles, along with the Duke of Buckingham, secretly visited Spain. During their time there, they tried for a marriage treaty with the daughter of King Philip III. However, their offer was declined due to their disliking of Buckingham, and the fact that Charles was not Roman Catholic. This influenced Charles to join Buckingham to persuade his father to wage war with Spain. Marriage arrangements were made with Henrietta Maria instead. -
Charles I Crowned King
Charles I was crowned king of England. He married Henrietta Maria of France. King Charles I dissolved the Parliament due to issues he had with them. -
Second Parliament is Dissolved
Buckingham was going to be impeached if not for King Charles dissolving the second Parliament. Due to Buckingham's incompetence, England became involved in war with France, and the war with Spain continued. They were in desperate need of funds, so King Charles I imposed a forced loan on the people. About 70 knights and noblemen were arrested for not paying. -
King Charles I Approves of Petition of Rights
King Charles I consented to the Petition of Right. This petition sought recognition of four principles- no taxes without the Parliament's approval, no jailing without reason, no quartering of soldiers on subjects, and no martial law in peacetime. -
Final Parliament Dissolved and Absolute Rule is Put in Place
Buckingham was assassinated. King Charles I dissolves his final Parliament and rules for the next 11 years as an absolute leader. -
Charles Imposes Religion
King Charles decides to impose the English Book of Common Prayer on the Scots. Many of them signed a national covenant to defend their Presbyterian religion, and the King responded by raising his sword. However, he was outmaneuvered by a skilled Scottish army and a truce was later signed. -
Charles Summons Parliament and agrees to Triennial Act
Charles called together a new parliament known as the "Short Parliament" in order to raise money to fight against Scots. The Parliament opposed the renewal of war, so King Charles I dissolved it. Scottish armies were able to cross the border, and Charles asked for advice from a council of peers, who suggested to summon another Parliament. This Parliament became known as the "Long Parliament". He also agreed to the "Triennial Act" which ensured the Parliament met once every three years. -
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A Series of Battles were Fought
The first battle was fought in Edgehill, Warwickshire, on October 1642 between Royalists and Parliament and was inconclusive. Charles's was defeated at the Battle of Naseby, near Leicester, in June 1645. In April 1646, Charles escaped the Siege of Oxford and surrendered at Nottinghamshire, to the Scots. He was handed to the Parliament in 1647. In November, he escaped, but was recaptured and held at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. The Scots invaded in 1648, but were stopped. -
Civil War Breaks Out
Charles failed to arrest five Parliament members and believed the Parliament was becoming too Puritanical. Due to this, he declared war on the Parliament. Civil War in England broke out. -
King Charles I is Beheaded
Charles was charged for treason and "other high crimes against the realm of England." He denied the legality of the court and believed nobody had power over the king. His execution ordered he was a tyrant, traitor, murderer and public enemy. The King went bravely to his death saying he was "a martyr for the people." He was beheaded on Tuesday morning, January 30th, 1649.
