Timeline to England's Limited Monarchy

  • Establishment of the Parliament of England
    1215

    Establishment of the Parliament of England

    The establishment of the Parliament of England allowed for another power to "check" the power of the monarchy. By doing this, England was making steps towards creating a limited monarchy.
  • James I crowning as King

    James I crowning as King

    James I was the first Stuart monarch. The Stuart monarches were more prone to their belief in the "divine right of kings." Through this belief, James I brought absolutism to England.
  • Execution of Charles I

    Execution of Charles I

    The execution of Charles I was a major event towards the path of a limited monarchy in England. The idea that the king could be held accountable and punished questioned the "divine authority" of kings.
  • Restoration of the English Monarchy

    Restoration of the English Monarchy

    Following a period of challenge and instability without a monarch, Charles II was placed as the monarch in England. With his return, there was a new understanding of how important it is to have a monarch—yet the power of a monarch was put further into question.
  • Habeas Corpus Act

    Habeas Corpus Act

    The Habeas Corpus Act, passed by Charles II, was a crucial part in the path towards a limited monarchy. It protected individual liberties, put checks on royal authority, and set up a structure for future laws.
  • Glorious Revolution

    Glorious Revolution

    The Glorious Revolution was the turning point between absolutism and a limited monarchy. The Glorious Revolution permanently established Parliament as the ruling power of England. The monarch no longer had absolute power and instead had to rule with the consent of Parliament.
  • Bill of Rights

    Bill of Rights

    The Bill of Rights was a landmark legislation in establishing a limited monarchy in England. It emphasized free elections, regular parliaments, and protection against "cruel and unusual" punishment. It set clear restrictions on the power of the monarch.