Charles I, Personal Rule 1629-1640

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AS - Level History (British History ) Flashcards on Charles I, Personal Rule 1629-1640, created by Aimee Vickers on 04/05/2016.
Aimee Vickers
Flashcards by Aimee Vickers, updated more than 1 year ago
Aimee Vickers
Created by Aimee Vickers almost 8 years ago
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William Laud He was a leading Arminian in the 1620's, he had the patronage of Buckingham. His highest position under James was as bishop of St. David's. While James acknowledged his skill in debate he feared Laud might emulate the Dutch Arminians by stirring up controversy and undermine the unity of the Church.
Charles I and William Laud Charles wanted someone to impose discipline and uniformity in the way Bancroft had done: 1627 - Laud was appointed to the Privy Council. 1628 - Bishop of London 1633 - Bishop of Canterbury
Laudian Reforms Uniformity - When sees fell vacant he appointed men who shared his own ideals and intolerances. A learned clergy - Laud made generous gifts to Oxford University. He insisted that candidates for ordination should be learned men where possible. In the Dioceses of Worcester 80% of clergy were graduates by 1640. Status and morale - He wanted a better status for ministers
Impropriated tithes Laud was concerned to recover impropriated tithes and also wanted to make sure they were used for the right purposes. He used the Privy Council to recover tithes. This did little for the popularity of the council and the prerogative courts. He suppressed the 'Feoffees for Impropriation' a puritan body that raised over £6000 to buy up impropriations and use the income to improve the pay of ministers. The main objective of Laud's plan was to restore ceremony and uniformity to liturgy to the church.
How did he improve these? He made regular inspections that set minimal standards e.g. - The alter was moved to the east end of the church and was railed off. - He insisted on the wearing of the surplice and bowing to the name of Jesus.
What reactions did these 'reforms' instigate? Many clergy welcomed reforms such as improvements to the fabric of the church even though parishioners resented paying them.
How did they benefit Laud and hinder the Star Chamber? He became an active member of the Star Chamber and used it to punish critics of the reforms. An example of this would be the case of Prynee, Burton and Bastwick in 1637. They had published libels against the bishops and were sentenced to stand in the pillory, have their ears cropped and spend the rest of their lives in prison (became heroes). As a result of this, Star Chamber lost respect and popularity.
HOWEVER.... Laud was committed to the Church of England. He was no friend of no friend of the Queen and feared the influence of court Catholicism. He persuaded Charles to issue a proclamation forbidding the spread of catholic belief in an attempt to curb conversions. He also issued strict punishments for those who attended the Queen's chapel.
Administration and Finance No minister, after 1628, monopolised the royal authority in the same way that Buckingham had. Power was distributed, but one of the most important members of Charles' cabinet was the Lord Treasurer, Richard Weston. He saw the benefits of peace and encouraged Charles to make peace with France (1629) and Spain (1630).
The absence of taxes... The English were notoriously resistant to taxation so there could be no question of levying more taxes. In the absence of parliament Charles had to find new ways to make money.
Distraint of Knighthood In effect a land tax, very successful - £175,000.
Norman Forest Laws Landowners were fined for breaches of the forest law. Made Charles a profit but lost him the good will of landowners whom he ultimately relied upon.
Ship Money Levied on coastal towns in 1634 and to all counties in 1635. Ship money was so lucrative (it raised approximately £200,000 a year until 1638) that it was demanded every year afterwards. Its collection was strictly within the law but traditionally levied with parliamentary consent. Hamden Case = he wanted to raise the issue of non-parliamentary taxation in court. Five judges found in favour of Hamden, seven for the King.
BUT.... These financial measure did in fact expand royal revenue. Total revenue was close to £1 million by the end of the 1630s. Crown income equalled and later exceeded its annual expenditure demonstrating the financial strength of the monarchy and the financial irrelevance of parliament.
The Destruction of Prerogative Monarchy In October 1636 the king ordered a new service book to be brought into general use in Scotland. His aims were: - To extend uniformity in Scotland. - To integrate the two kingdoms further It was met with riots when first read at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. The revolt spread and thousands rushed to sign the National Covenant which they pledged to defend their system of worship. Charles suspended the new service book but prepared to use force - called to arms the trained bands.
BUT... Charles misjudged the situation: - He did not have the means to fight - conscripts, few arms. - The English did not rally to support him - many approved of the Scottish stand against Laudianism. - He had called upon help of Spain, appointed the Earl of Ardunel to lead the army and asked for a voluntary contribution from English Catholics to fight the Scots - increased fears of popery. - The Scots army was made up on professional soldiers. - June 1639 - the Pacification of Berwick was signed.
Wentworth and Pym Wentworth encouraged Charles to recall his parliaments to deal with Scotland: - Scotland = voted for the abolition of episcopacy. - Ireland = voted £150,000 of subsidies. - England = the short parliament lasted 3 weeks, led by John Pym, Parliament refused to grant subsidies without the redress of grievances. Charles feared Pym - rumours that he was in league with Scots. Parliament dissolved.
The Second Bishops War Stafford advised the king to continue with military action. The scots met little resistance and occupied the northern counties. A truce was signed. Charles had to pat the scots £850 a day to occupy Durham and York until a final settlement was agreed upon.
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