Page 59 - Phonebox Magazine August 2016

the conspiracy alleged by Titus Oates in 1678 which resulted in 35 Catholics being executed. It was soon rumoured that James wanted to restore the relationship with the Pope and force Catholicism onto the people. The leading politicians in Parliament and the leadership of the Army decided that this was unacceptable so in 1688 they invited William of Orange from Holland to become king. William was a Protestant, his wife Mary was the daughter of James II, and they were to rule jointly as William III and Mary II. James ed to France and exile for the rest of his life.
This change of the monarchy was known as The Glorious Revolution and demonstrated the new power of Parliament to decide who should be the Sovereign as well as to determine taxation. Once the new monarchs were crowned Parliament in 1689 passed a Bill of Rights which clearly de ned that nal authority was with Parliament not the King or Queen. This was demonstrated in the 18th century when the last Stuart, Queen Anne the sister of Mary II, died in 1714 without a direct heir. Parliament invited a suitable Protestant relative, the Prince of Hannover, to come to be George I of both England and Scotland which had become united under one Parliament in 1707.
The English Civil War was a major step towards democracy as we know it today for
three reasons. Firstly, Parliament for the rst time acted directly in opposition to the King and raised an army to ght for the authority it believed it should have. Secondly, the membership of that Parliament was drawn largely from the middle classes and minor aristocracy so for the rst time successful armed opposition to the throne was not lead by the great aristocrats although it would be many years before all adult British citizens had the right to vote. Thirdly, by opposing Charles I and ruling for a decade after his execution
Parliament had demonstrated that it should be the ultimate power in the country, power which it exercised by deposing James II, inviting William and Mary and then con rmed in law in the Bill of Rights.
Come to the Bury Field in Newport Pagnell on 28th and 29th August 2016 to see the celebration of the English Civil War involving two days of simulated battle with cavalry, infantry, artillery, musketeers and pikemen in association with the English Civil War Society.
The Battle for Newport Pagnell
AWar is coming – Whose side are you on?
fter months of planning and preparations the Newport Pagnell Civil War Weekend is almost here.
Over the August Bank Holiday the town will play host to hundreds of re-enactors and thousands of visitors for two
spectacular battle recreations on the historic Bury Field Common – and entry and car parking is FREE!
As well as battles on Sunday and Monday, August 28th and 29th there is a Living History encampment where life in the 17th century will be displayed, a Market Street of traders and local organisations, Food Court and Licensed refreshment marquee, picnic area and children’s activities.
The armies of Royalist ‘Cavaliers’ and Parliamentarian ‘Roundheads’ – members of the renowned English Civil War Society re-enactment group, will start to arrive from Thursday, setting up camp on Bury Field, carrying out drills and preparations for the battles and no doubt venturing into the town for supplies and refreshment.
A march of soldiers through Newport Pagnell is planned for Saturday, August 27th.
This event has been organised by the NP CWW committee of local volunteers with the support or sponsorship of many organisations and businesses. It has received grants from Newport Pagnell Town Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Milton Keynes Community Foundation, Milton Keynes Council, and the Bury Field Commoners Association. Richard Meredith, chair of the committee, said: “Our aim is to present an
entertaining free event that will generate a new interest in the important role Newport Pagnell played in the Civil War.
“Soon it will be time for the town and visitors from beyond to get behind the Civil War Weekend, to come along and decide ‘whose side are you on?’”
Local shops and business are being invited to enter the ‘Whose Side Are You On’ window display competition for the best representation on the theme of the English Civil War.
For more information visit: www.npcivilwarweekend.com
August 2016 | Phonebox Magazine 59