Charles I believed he should govern the people by Royal rights without the advice and consent of Parliament.

Parliament insisted in a necessary role in Government particularly in taxes and grievances of the people towards their King.

Charles I forced loans and taxes to raise revenue (especially for war purposes) and imprisoned those who refused to pay.

Parliament wanted to raise these issues with the King.

Charles I dissolved Parliament for 11 years and governed the country himself.

In November 1640 Parliament was re-instated

The following year there was a grand remonstrance (petition) against Charles I activities passed in the commons.

In January 1642 Charles I entered the commons, fully armed, to arrest 5 members of the House, who had already fled.

By March 1642 the Militia Ordinance bill passed establishing Parliament control over the County Militias. Charles I raised his standard at Nottingham thereby starting the English Civil War.

Charles I was defeated in June 1646

Although under arrest forces still fought for Charles I, battles continued in areas of Wales, Scotland and Ireland until 1651.

Charles I faced charges of tyranny and treason, he challenged the courts authority and its right to try him. The trial started on 9th January 1649 and the death sentence was proclaimed 27th January.