Forced Loans, July 1626

Why did Charles I seek emergency financial measures in 1626?

• At war, with no Parliament, and facing severe financial difficulties.

How did the City of London respond to Charles’s initial request for a loan?

They refused to grant him more than £20,000

What approach did Charles take in July 1626 to raise funds directly from his subjects?

In July 1626, Charles sent letters... telling his subjects 'lovingly, freely, and voluntarily' to give him money.

How did Charles’s subjects respond to his request for funds in July and August 1626?

Throughout July and August, the vast majority of Charles's subjects refused to pay.

What was the Forced Loan of 1626, and how did Charles enforce it?

In September Charles levied a Forced Loan… aiming at extracting the equivalent of five subsidies. Anyone who refused to 'lend' was to answer to the Privy Council.

How much money was raised through the Forced Loan?

Altogether about £250,000 was extracted.

What happened to judges who opposed the Forced Loan?

Judges who refused to endorse the legality of the loan, such as Chief Justice Carew, were dismissed.

Which Archbishop opposed the Forced Loan, and what happened to him?

Archbishop Abbot was suspended for refusing to licence a sermon defending the loan.

Which bishops supported Charles's Forced Loan, and how did they assist?

Bishops who shared Charles' views - William Laud, Richard Neile, and John Buckeridge - approved these sermons for the press.

How did William Laud’s influence change after supporting the Forced Loan?

Neile and (particularly) Laud grew steadily in importance.