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Great Britain -- History -- Charles I, 1625-1649 Books
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David Hume
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part E. From Charles I. to Cromwell
"The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part E." by David Hume is a historical work published between 1754 and 1762. This ambitious six-volume history spans from Julius Caesar's invasion to the Revolution of 1688, covering England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Written while Hume served as librarian in Edinburgh, the work was initially met with outrage from all political factions but became a bestseller, establishing itself as the standard history of England and finally bringing Hume financial independence.
Bertha Meriton Gardiner
King and commonwealth : $b A history of Charles I. and the great rebellion
"King and commonwealth : A history of Charles I. and the great rebellion" by B. Meriton Cordery and J. Surtees Phillpotts is a historical account written in the late 19th century. It examines the constitutional and religious conflicts that escalated from the late Tudor settlement through James I to the crisis under Charles I, culminating in civil war. The focus is on how monarchic prerogative collided with parliamentary rights, the law courts, and church governance, with figures like Buckingham and measures such as the Petition of Right at the fore. The opening of the work sets out the English constitutional framework—legislative, executive, and judicial—and shows how English liberties (consent to taxation, jury trial, and due process) coexisted uneasily with royal prerogatives, pliant judges, and arbitrary courts like Star Chamber and High Commission. It contrasts Elizabeth’s cautious use of power with growing religious tensions: Puritans attacking “popish” ceremonies, Presbyterians demanding church government by assemblies, and sectarians pressing for liberty of conscience, while Elizabeth’s Protestant foreign policy (and the Armada’s defeat) keeps popular support. Under James I, the narrative highlights illegal impositions, coercive ecclesiastical procedure, arbitrary imprisonments (including Arabella Stuart), corruption illustrated by the Eliot–Nutt pirate case, the persecution of Puritans, and James’s wavering response to the Thirty Years’ War; Parliament asserts free speech in 1621 only to have its protest erased. The section then turns to Charles I’s accession: Buckingham’s dominance, Parliament’s one-year grant of tonnage and poundage, anger over English ships lent against the Huguenots, the failed Cadiz expedition, and the Commons’ impeachment of Buckingham, which Charles thwarts by arresting managers and dissolving Parliament.
England and Wales. Parliament. House of Commons
A Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdom
"A Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdom" is a historical document authored by members of the House of Commons during the early 17th century, specifically in the context of the English Civil War. This book provides a critical examination of the political and social conditions in England at the time, highlighting the tensions between the monarchy and Parliament. The work addresses grievances regarding governance, taxation, religion, and the power struggles that characterized this tumultuous period. The content of the book outlines the various crises that led to the need for Parliament's intervention, detailing the failure of the monarchy to act in the best interests of its subjects. It portrays a wide array of adversities faced by the people, including arbitrary taxation, military levies, and the erosion of legal rights, primarily orchestrated by the royal advisors and supporters of the King. Furthermore, it emphasizes the growing discontent among the populace, underscoring the need for reform and the restoration of lawful governance. Throughout the text, the authors advocate for the protection of civil liberties and religious freedoms, calling for unity against the malign influences that threatened the stability of the kingdom.
Jacob Abbott
History of King Charles the First of England
"History of King Charles the First of England" by Jacob Abbott is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book delves into the life and reign of King Charles I, exploring his childhood, accession to the throne, and the major events during his rule, including the tumultuous relationship with Parliament that ultimately led to conflict. It aims to present a narrative suitable for readers who wish to understand the key historical events of this period. The opening of the text introduces King Charles I, beginning with his childhood and the circumstances of his birth in Scotland. The narrative describes his early life, highlighting his frail condition and the royal titles conferred upon him despite his health challenges. It depicts the setting of royalty in England and the political landscape that surrounded his family, particularly focusing on the influence of his parents and the complex dynamics of royal marriage during that time. The author emphasizes how these early experiences shaped Charles and foreshadowed the challenges he would face as a ruler amid political strife and shifting loyalties.
Jacob Abbott
Charles I Makers of History
"Charles I" by Jacob Abbott is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This narrative focuses on the life and reign of Charles I of England, detailing key events from his childhood and youth to his eventual accession to the throne and struggles with Parliament. The book aims to present a thorough yet accessible examination of Charles's life for a readership that seeks to understand historical figures in relation to their times. The opening of the narrative introduces readers to Charles I's early life, beginning with his birth in Scotland and the unique circumstances surrounding his lineage as the son of King James I. Abbott explores themes such as royal marriages, the challenges of Charles’s early health, and the familial dynamics that shaped his childhood. Notably, the elevation of Charles from a frail infant to the heir apparent following the death of his brother sets the stage for his future role. The author establishes a foundation for understanding Charles's character by illustrating the contrasts between the public perception of royalty and the private realities of royal life during his upbringing.
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