Booklet 1 Politics and Religion 1625-40

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  • Created by: SAIDA2001
  • Created on: 14-03-18 18:05

Britian 1625-1640

17h century England was torn between plitical and religious conflict. In 1625 Charles i had inherited the three British kingoms of England Ieland and Scotland who all had their own government, council, culture and religion. Due to the greater ealth and power of England it was made the dominant seat of government. Charle i believed he became king by Divin right but his execution in 1649 had showed that the king coulld be held responsible by not God alone but his subjects.

The centre of political life was the Royal Court made up of the monarchs friends, servants, associates, important office holders and some foreign ambassadors. Withi this was the Privy Council of the kings close frienss and advisers who advised him. Charles i was the head of the Church of England and appointed bishops and archbishops who controlled the lower clergy and excercised authority over the laity. It was a protestant church after Henry VIII had broken away from the catholic church and his daughter Elizabeth had imposed a protestant settlement. The Archbishop of Canterbury was usually part of the Privy Council. The Common Law Courtss were staffed by judges appointed by the king. At a ocal level the law was administered by JPs. At the lowest level it was assisted by parish officials, constables, overseers of the poor and church wardens whose actions the JPs were expected to supervise. Parliament had played a limited role in government but by 1625 it became a regular part within the polticial system.

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Britian 1625-1640

Charles I ascended the throne in March 1625. The main issue he faced was the war with spain fought by his father James I. The war originated due to religious conflicts and led to war in 1618. James I tried negotiating a marriage for Charles I and the Daughter of the king of Spain Infanta to end the war. In order to strengthen his diplomatic credentials, he called a parliament for financial backing. The anti- catholic feeling in the country allowed him mire support for MPs in parliament who granted parliamentary taxes. To gain the necessary subsidies James I used the influence of his chief adviser the Duke of Buckingham to encourage MPs to debate a stratergy for the war. Buckingham also negotiated a marriage for Charles with Henrietta Maria the catholic sister of the French king. He also agreed to send englsih troops to help the protestant cause in Germany.However due  to bad weather, disease and being prly equipped they wasted away on the Belgian coast.

George Villiers Duke of Buckingham Adviser To James I and Charles I-    Villiers was born into a minor gentry family in Leicestershire and met the king in 1613.James was fond of young handsome and charming men and it was not surprising that Villiers' fortunes had risen.Although skied in court pitics he had litte to offer as a stasmen. He extended his influence to Prince Charles to gain his support and friendship. They embarked on a secretive and dangerous adventrue to Spai so charles could woo the spanish infanta in person

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Britian 1625-1640

Peace talks between the countries was stalled and charles decided to take matters into his own hands. The spanish were embarrassed and their plan failed. However he was popular upon his return due to his new confidence and Buckingham was able to gain the affection of the young prince.

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