Page 59 - Phonebox Magazine July 2016

two separate kingdoms not as a united realm. By the first decade of the 17th century Parliament included the great lords and representatives of the counties, the towns and cities and the Church of England. Catholics, women and those without property had no say in the election of the representatives. Parliament had clear control over taxation, and the rights and freedoms of the individual were recognised and protected at least in theory by the courts. The realm was prosperous with the expansion of trade and the growth of English sea power following the wars of the previous century. English colonies were established in North America. There was a visible “middle class” of minor landowners in the country, merchants and skilled tradesmen in the towns and cities.
James l was not to be a popular sovereign, unlike Elizabeth. He was described as “the wisest fool in Christendom”. James was highly educated but pedantic and opinionated, and fell out with both the Catholic factions who had survived unmolested under Elizabeth and the emerging radical wing of Protestants such as the Puritans. James believed in the “Divine Right of Kings”, that he was appointed by God to rule absolutely. The Puritans disputed the authority over theological matters not only of the Pope but also of the bishops of the Church of England and were equally intolerant of the
“Divine Right”. James struggled with even the limited constitutional limits to his powers and objected to Parliament having any say over taxation let alone how the tax should be spent. He believed that all his subjects should obey him as God’s lieutenant on Earth. He insisted that even women should kneel when presented to him and considered that the role of Parliament was to agree with his decisions and grant him the taxes he demanded. The Members of Parliament objected to this and refused him the money so in 1611 James dissolved Parliament and ruled without them.
By 1621 he was forced by shortage of funds to recall Parliament but could not come to an agreement. James dissolved Parliament again complaining of their insolence and determined to rule without them but died shortly afterwards in 1625. His son Charles Stuart inherited the thrones of both England and Scotland.
The second part of this article next month describes the conflict between Charles l and Parliament that lead to the Civil War and explains the consequences and the importance of the War.
Civil War battle event makes an exhibition of itself
Civil War battle comes to Newport Pagnell this summer
The sights, sounds and even smells of an English Civil War battle come to Newport Pagnell this summer – where Roundheads and Cavaliers marched more than 350 years ago – but you can get a preview of all the action NOW!
Find out about the con ict which pitched King against Parliament, brother against brother and shaped the world we live in today, at an exciting new exhibition just launched in MK by organisers of the Newport Pagnell Civil War Weekend. Put together with the help of Newport Pagnell Historical Society, the show has already appeared in the School Room at Milton Keynes Museum, McConnell Drive, Wolverton. It charts the origins of the war, tells how Newport Pagnell’s strategic position saw it forti ed as a garrison town and was held in turn by both sides, before the crucial part it played on the eve of the Battle of Naseby in 1645. Period costumes and artefacts are on show, some loaned by the English Civil War Society which is bringing around 500 of its re-enactors to battle it out on Bury Field over the Bank Holiday weekend in August.
There is also a terri c free colouring competition based on the Civil War with entry forms available at the MK Museum or to download from the website. Prizes include great art materials in each age category.
Richard Meredith, chair NP CWW committee said: ‘So much of what happened during the English Civil War is like turning the pages of a history book and we hope as many people as possible – and especially students – can get to see this highly interesting exhibition.’
July 2016 | Phonebox Magazine 59