Sir Edward Coke, Magna Carta, and 17th century rebellion

In the latest in our ongoing series celebrating the anniversaries of Magna Carta and Simon de Montfort’s Parliament, Professor George Garnett discusses the importance of Sir Edward Coke’s 17th century commentary on Magna Carta… Sir Edward Coke’s role in English common law is widely acknowledged to be commensurate with that of his near contemporary William Shakespeare in English literature. But in an important sense his … Continue reading Sir Edward Coke, Magna Carta, and 17th century rebellion

The trial of Charles I: an early modern show trial?

To begin our day-by-day retelling of the trial of Charles I over on twitter, Philip Baker, Research Fellow on the 1624 Parliamentary Diaries project, discusses the circumstances behind the trial and its later interpretation… The trial of King Charles I – which began on this day in 1649 – remains arguably the most dramatic and famous trial in English history. Monarchs had been deposed, and … Continue reading The trial of Charles I: an early modern show trial?

6 December, 1648: Pride’s Purge

Dr Stephen Roberts, editor of the HOP’s House of Commons 1640-60 project, explains the importance of “Pride’s Purge” which took place on this day in 1648. Since the victories by the New Model Army which brought the first civil war between Parliament and King Charles I to an end in 1646, relations between the soldiers and their parliamentary employers had been uneasy. Many of the … Continue reading 6 December, 1648: Pride’s Purge

On this day, 19 November 1600: Charles I was Born

Many interesting events are happening, or happened, on this day: 19 November. In 2012, Parliament Week is underway (see their website for events happening near you); our first specially commissioned article for Parliament Week is ready for you to read here and from today onwards the House of Commons in 1604-29 volumes are available on our website. These volumes are the most comprehensive study of … Continue reading On this day, 19 November 1600: Charles I was Born