The Civil War

Find out about the most dramatic period of Parliament's history, when it executed the King and established a republic

• Charles I and the Petition of Right
• The Personal Rule of Charles I
• The Long Parliament
• The breakdown of 1641-2
• Presbyterians, Independents and the New Model Army
• Pride's Purge, 'the Rump' and regicide
• The Rump dissolved
• The Protectorate Parliaments
• Changes in representation in the Commons
• The end of the Protectorate
• Great rebellion, English Revolution or War of Religion?

1603-1660: A chronology of events charting the lead up to the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell's time in power, and the eventual Restoration of the monarchy

• November 1603-1640
• November 1640-1660

Parallels between the Other House, recommended in the Humble Petition and Advice of 1657, and current proposals for the reform of the House of Lords

Some of the many books written about the 17th century civil wars

Listen to podcast on the events leading up to the trial and execution of Charles I

Explore the Parliamentary collections for images and documents about the Civil War

• The Petition of Right
• House of Commons Journal
• Speaker Lenthall defends Parliament
• The Earl of Strafford
• List of visitors to the Earl of Strafford
• Message of the House of Commons
• Petition of the Earl of Strafford
• Letter from Charles I
• Strafford Act of Attainder
• Official Record of the Trial of Charles I
• Death Warrant of King Charles I

Explore the tense political climate and the public reaction to events in the run up to the Civil War

• Drake Note Book
• The King's Speech
• Chester Petition
• Mr Grimston's Speech
• Against the Lieutenant of Ireland