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The Magna Carta was the the first document that began to restrict the power of the King. One of these restrictions said that no non-serf could be punished except by the "law of the land". Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magna_Carta.jpg
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When Henry III took over the throne, multiple powerful barons were not happy with his reign. This was mostly because he almost never consented with them on his decisions. This led to the formation of one of the first Parliaments which met three times a year. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Henry_III_of_England
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Parliament under Charles I forced a document called the Petition of Right onto Charles I. This document required that there should be no forced lloans or taxation without Parliament's consent, no freeman be imprisoned without due cause, and that troops shall not be billeted in private homes. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Petition_of_Right.jpg
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After Charles failed to impose conformity over Scotland, he recalled Parliament, on their terms. This new Parliament abolished all courts enforcing royal policy and prohibited the levying of taxes without its consent. They could also not be dissolved without their own consent. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LongParliament.jpg
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In 1642, Charles attempted to invade Parliament and arrest his opponents. After this failed, Charles fled London and raised an army. Parliament then passed the Militia Ordinane, allowing Parliament to raise and army of its own. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LongParliament.jpg
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After the failed attack on Parliament, a Civil War broke out between Parliament and King Charles I. This war was eventually won by Parliament, mainly due to the fact that Parliament sided with Scotland and military leader Oliver Cromwell. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oliver_Cromwell_Gaspard_de_Crayer.jpg
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After Charles I was defeated, he was tried in a special court and then was sentenced to death. After the execution, Parliament abolished the monarchy making England technically a Puritan Republic. Although Charles II did eventually take over, the King never had the same kind of power he once did. Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_View_of_the_Place_and_Manner_of_K._Charles_the_First%27s_Execution_(King_Charles_I)_from_NPG.jpg
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