Charles I's Personal Rule (1629-40) - Foreign Policy (Scotland and Ireland)

How was Charles the cause of the Scottish Resolution?

He cut himself off from influential Scottish opinion and was thus less aware of, or ignored, the growing discontent. His imposition of religious uniformity, especially with the Laudian prayer book and the role of bishops alienated the Scots. As a Presbytarian population that had always regarded bishops with suspicion.

What did some Scottish bishops do in July 1637?

Armed themselves when they had to read the new Laudian prayer book in the pulpit. When it was read for the first time in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, an organised protest became a full-blown riot.

How did Charles respond to Scottish rebellion?

He did not back down, pushing moderates to become radicals.

How did Charles fund an army to face the Scottish Covenanters who rebelled against the Laudian prayer book?

Ship money.

How did Charles give himself time to raise an army?

He allowed the Scots to call a religious General Assembly at Glasgow in September 1638. In November 1638, this assembly proceeded to annul the canon laws and abolish episcopacy.

Was Charles successful in raising an army?

Somewhat. It was not ready until April 1639 due to problems collecting ship money. His soldiers were untrained and unruly.

What did Charles do to prevent recalling parliament to restore his financial issues?

He negotiated the Truce of Berwick in June 1639, agreeing to a meeting of a General Assembly of the Church of Scotland at Edinburgh and Parliament, as well as the disbandment of both armies.

How did the Covenanters respond to the Treaty of Berwick?

They did not trust Charles so did not disband their army, and the Edinburgh Assembly and Parliament set about reducing royal power in Scotland.

How did Charles show the scale of the continuing crisis?

He recalled Thomas Wentworth, the Lord Deputy of Ireland. On his return in September 1639 Wentworth advised Charles to call an English Parliament as the only means of raising money to fight the Scots, yet during Short Parliament (April-May 1640), Charles refused to compromise, determined to face Scotland on the battlefield.

What followed Short Parliament?

The Scots crossed the river Tweed and entered England in August 1640. After a minor encounter, the Scots occupied Newcastle.

What was the Treaty that ended the Bishops’ War, following Scottish occupation of Newcastle?

The Treaty of Ripon, agreed in October 1640. Charles had to pay the Scottish living costs while they occupied English soil, costing £850 a day. He also had no option but to call parliament due to financial ruin and political pressure.