• House of Commons Journal
  • Title: House of Commons Journal
  • Date: 4 January 1642
  • Catalogue number: Parliamentary Archives, HC/CL/JO/1/22
  • Description:

    On 4 January 1642, King Charles I entered the House of Commons to arrest five Members of Parliament for high treason.  The MPs were Mr Holles, Mr Pym, Sir A Haslerig, Mr Hampden and Mr William Strode. The clerk writing in the Journal recorded the event and the King's opening words until ordered by the King to stop.

    This Journal entry reads:

    King Charles sits in the Speaker's Chair and Speaks to the Commons:

    His Majesty came unto the house and took Mr. Speakers Chair.

    Gentlemen I am sorry to have this occasion to come unto you.