The search for a peace settlement

Who were Charles’ main opposition post Civil war?

• The Scots - they were unhappy with Parliament’s failure to impose the Presbyterian Church as stated in the Solemn League and Covenant

• The Presbyterian MPs - They were still a majority in Parliament and they wanted an imposed Presbyterian Church with no bishops and no monarchical power. They also wanted the New Model Army disbanded. They wanted religious and social order restored for stability.

• The Independent MPs - They were a minority whose influence was growing as they were resistant to as state Church because they wanted religious freedom

• The Army

  • The Grandees were leading officers who supported their ordinary officers who wanted social order

  • The rank and file refused to disband until they got paid and were promised that they wouldn’t be persecuted for their crimes during the war

When did the Charles surrender himself to the Scots?

1646

When was the Elizabethan prayer book replaced by the Presbyterian prayer book? Why did this fail?

Jan 1645 - Many parishes ignored this

What did Parliament do in August 1645 and October 1646?

A Presbyterian Church government was formed; Then the bishops were abolished

What were the beliefs of the Presbyterians?

• Their main Presbyterians was Denzil Holles

• They thought King should be reinstated with limited powers how that the evil advisors were gone

• They wanted a state religion that would bring unity to Scotland, England and Ireland

• They saw the Scots as their ally

• They saw the NMA as expensive and they wanted to cut taxes and dangerous since the Ordinary them started to be political and religious

What were the beliefs of the Independents?

• Lord Saye and Sale, Henry Ireton, Sir Arthur and Oliver Cromwell they were the key independents

• They believed that the King couldn’t be trusted and his powers should be greatly limited and Parliament’s increased

• They wanted more religious freedom (sectarians). They didn’t want a state Church that people are bound.

• They also believed that the Scots were interfering in English politics

• They thought that taxes should remain high to keep the NMA in case the Royalist raise an army again

How did the composition of Parliament change after 1645?

• Some MPs died and some Royalists were expelled so elections took place in 1645

• Some Royalists won some seats and supported the Presbyterians because they preserved social order

• The new 200 MPs created tensions between the Independents and the Presbyterians

When was the Newcastle propositions drawn up?

July 1646

What did the Newcastle propositions state?

• It was drawn up by Parliament

• The establishment of the Presbyterian Church

• Give up his army to Parliament

• Dismissing his evil advisors

What was the outcome of the Newcastle propositions?

Charles wasted time by not giving a straight answer to them

When was the Heads of the Proposal drawn up?

August 1647

What did the Heads of the Proposal state?

• This was drafted by Henry Ireton and the Council of the Army

• They wanted the king to call a Parliament every 2 years

• To give up control of the army and the navy to Parliament

• To abolish bishops

• To allow the use of the Book of common prayer to no be longer mandatory

• Act of Indemnity - to absolute the crimes committed by army during the war

When was the Engagement drawn up?

Dec 1647

What did the Engagement state?

This was drafted by the Scottish who wanted the king to be reinstated if the Presbyterian church was made the state church and sectarianism was stopped

What was the Independent’s reactions to the Engagement?

They cut off all ties with the King and stated that another civil war would be inevitable

Why did all the peace settlements fail?

The King refused to accepted anything and he procrastinated with a Parliament that was divided