Constitutional History of England, Henry VII to George II. Volume 2 of 3

by Henry Hallam

"Constitutional History of England, Henry VII to George II. Volume 2 of 3" by Henry Hallam is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume explores the political and constitutional developments in England from the dissolution of Charles I's third parliament to the early stages of the Civil War, providing detailed analysis of the conflicts between monarchy and parliament. It addresses significant events, royal prerogatives, and the evolving nature of English governance during a tumultuous period in British history. The opening of the work establishes the context of Charles I's reign, beginning with the implications of the king's dissolution of parliament, where he attempts to reassert absolute power amidst rising opposition. It delves into the ensuing prosecutions of parliamentary leaders who resisted him, including Sir John Eliot, and illustrates the tension between royal authority and parliamentary privilege. This segment sets the foundation for the exploration of various arbitrary measures taken by the crown, such as ship-money and the issues surrounding the Star Chamber's jurisdiction, presenting a critical view of the governmental abuses that mark this pivotal time in constitutional history.