Attempted impeachment of Buckingham, May-June 1626

Despite Charles’s efforts to exclude Buckingham’s opponents, who were two of Buckingham's main enemies among the English peers?

William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke and John Digby, Earl of Bristol.

Why did John Digby, Earl of Bristol, oppose Buckingham?

As English ambassador in Spain, Buckingham had sought to make Digby a scapegoat for the failed Spanish marriage in 1623.

Which other Puritan sympathizers supported the opposition to Buckingham?

Lord Wharton and Lord Saye and Sele, who were also Puritan sympathisers.

Who were the most vocal MPs coordinating attacks on Buckingham in Parliament?

Sir Dudley Digges and John Eliot, who co-ordinated the attacks in the Houses of Lords and Commons.

What action did Charles take after John Eliot’s speech against Buckingham?

Charles had Digges and Eliot committed to the Tower.

Why did the imprisonment of Digges and Eliot anger Parliament?

This undermined MPs' protection from arrest during a sitting Parliament. Both Houses reacted with fury, refusing to conduct any business until they were freed.

How did the House of Commons escalate its opposition to Buckingham after Digges and Eliot’s release?

The House of Commons then tried to impeach Buckingham for high treason and corruption and threatened to delay all votes on taxation until the House of Lords had delivered its verdict.

Why was Parliament unable to impeach Buckingham for high treason?

It soon became known that Buckingham's military incompetence could not be construed, legally, as high treason.

What alternative did Parliament offer Charles to secure taxation?

Parliament stated that the taxation of £300,000 would be granted, provided Charles removed Buckingham from office.

How did Charles respond to Parliament's demand to remove Buckingham?

Realising that a parliamentary majority against Buckingham seemed likely, Charles ordered the dissolution of Parliament on 15th June 1626. No taxation was granted.