The Civil WarKing vs ParliamentThe initial discontent between King James I and Parliament escalated during his reign, 1603-1625. James I, "The wisest fool in Christendom" was academically brilliant but lacked skill in handling the House of Commons. He was further hindered by his unfortunate appearance and by being linked with homosexuality through his relationships with his "favourites" The heart of the problem, however, lay in his policies and attitude to government. Early Stuart monarchs believed they had been appointed by God. In 1609 James I said, “The state of the Monarchy is the supremest thing on earth” War!!King's James beliefs and attitudes were also held by his son, who was crowned King Charles I in 1625. 
Archbishop Laud taught that it was sacrilege to question the judgement of the King and this belief, the Divine Right of Kings, led to clashes with the House of Commons, which supported Parliamentary Liberties and saw itself as the Keeper of the Common Law. As Parliament moved increasingly towards the Puritan faith they also objected to some elements of the Anglican Church and feared that King Charles, whose wife was a Roman Catholic was drifting back to Rome. The King insisted that Parliament had no right to interfere in a matter of royal prerogative. The king was also constantly asking for money. During the 11 years when he ruled without Parliament, he used extreme measures to raise funds. Ship Money was a tax usually levied on coastal areas to raise money for their defence during time of war. The King’s opponents were therefore, very angry when he demanded Ship Money from inland areas while the country was at peace. In 1640, financial necessity forced him to resummon Parliament. The use of prerogative courts added to the dispute. According to King James I “Kings sit on the throne of God and hence all judgement is derived” Parliament did not agree. The House of Commons wanted neutral judges who would protect the King’s subjects or at least those who belonged to the political classes. In 1642 the disputes erupted into Civil War, the conflict without an enemy, which was to divide families and change the political face of Britain. For further information go to the BBC / Open University Civil War website. |
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