The Bishops Wars (1639-40)

What caused the Bishops Wars (1639-40)?

The Scottish National Covenant was a direct cause of the Bishops Wars, Charles' introduction of the Book of Common Prayer in 1637 into the Kirk produced national outrage.

What caused the Scottish National Covenant-the Prayer Book Rebellion-?

In 1637, King Charles I and Archbishop Laud tried to bring the separate churches of England and Scotland closer together. The introduction of a modified form of the Book of Common Prayer into Scotland and first the introduction of a new Book of Canons which replaced Knox's Book of discipline.

This angered the Scottish people as they felt as if their national and religious identity was being discarded.

Riots and protests

There were petitions and protests in all Churches of Edinburgh where the new liturgy was introduced.

The protests grew into a campaign of petitions and supplications denouncing the Laudian Prayer Book and criticising the power of the bishops.

The Signing of the Covenant

In February 1638, clergymen in Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh- Scottish noblemen, gentry, clergy and burgess signed the Covenant, committing themselves under God to preserving the purity of the Kirk.

What was the Scottish National Covenant?

It was a document signed in 1638 by a group of Scottish Presbyterians in response to the imposition of Anglican policies by King Charles I.

Political control- Charles was overstepping his authority and undermining the traditional rights of the Scottish Church and Parliament.

Why did Charles impose the Book of Common Prayer?

Desire for uniformity- Charles aimed to create a uniform Anglican Church across his kingdoms.

When was the first Bishops War and what happened?

April to May/June 1639.

What happened in the first Bishops War?

In April 1639, Charles' army was not ready, he had 15,000 untrained men. On the 18th of June 1639, Charles signed the Truce of Berwick- he agreed to a meeting of a Scottish assembly and a disbandment of both armies. This truce signified the end of the first Bishops War.

When was the Second Bishops War?

August to October 1640.

What happened in the second Bishops War?

In August 1640, the Scots crossed the River Tweed and entered England with little resistance. The Scots acquired Newcastle- petition of twelve peers. In October 1640, the end of the second Bishops War was signed with the Treaty of Ripon- Charles agreed to pay the Scots £850 a day while they occupied English soil. This meant that Charles would have to reopen Parliament.