Why did the English Civil War not end in 1646?

Why was an army purge of Parliament so necessary?

Whilst the victory over the King at Marston Moor (July 1644) had strengthened the War Party- its dominance in Parliament was to be short-lived.

1645- Parliament began arranging elections to seats in areas that has previously sympathised with the Royalists. By 1647 some 235 new MPs has sided with the Presbyterians. The Political Presbyterians were the most dominant faction.

The Scottish dimension

The Presbyterian group were aided by the fact that Parliament's victory was due to the Scots. They were keen to ensure that the terms of the Solemn League and Covenant were adhered to.

The end of deference

The Civil War had encouraged the growth of radical religious sects. Separatist congregations in London had experimented with lay preaching, open debate and discussion- women's meetings and preachers.

Many of the most radical separatists and the most committed Puritans joined the army to fight against Charles I.

The situation by 1646

Many MPs (Holles) favoured a quick peace settlement with Charles based around a Presbyterian national Church. By 1646, social order was breaking down. The Presbyterian Church appeared to offer structure and hierarchy at a time when the country seemed to be descending into religious anarchy.

Charles' view of the Presbyterians 'useful idiots'

He liked the social conservatism of the Presbyterian Party. Charles understood that the longer he held out in reaching a settlement, divisions in Parliament would become serious.

He disliked the idea of a single national Presbyterian Church but he saw the need for a framework that would ensure religious unity and destroy radical sects.

Tensions between religious groups within Parliament

The relationship between the Scots and English Presbyterians had its problems too. The Scots claimed that the Presbyterian Church was based on divine law. The Independents were alarmed by the state of affairs- they disliked the authoritarianism of Scottish Presbyterianism. The Peace Party wanted to disband the army.

The Political Independents

The Independents drew their strength from small trades and artisans (skilled workers) in London. They rejected the idea of an Established Church. They regarded the true Church as a gathering of 'true believers'- a voluntary association.

They separated from the Established Church and formed their own independent, self-governing Congregationalists.

1646- England remained in an explosive situation

Charles refused to accept the result of the Civil War. In reality there was little difference between the Presbyterians and Independents.