Chapter 10

Question 1

The Army Plot

Answer 1

• News emerged 19 April 1641 that Charles had ordered all army officers to return to their commands with the English Army in the north
• Led to Protestation Oath on 6 May
• The Act against the dissolution of Parliament without its own consent passed 10 May
• Trial of Strafford intensified

Question 2

The Protestation Oath

Answer 2

• Charles gave royal assent in July
• In 1642 scope extended to all adult males

Question 3

The Grand Remonstance

Answer 3

• Introduced in November by Pym
• Pym and Hampden through the Recess Committee
• Summarised all Parliament’s grievances of Charles’ reign
• 204 separate points of objection
• Limiting the King’s power & reform of CoE
• Passed by 159 - 148

Question 4

What did Clarendon say about Pym

Answer 4

he had “a very appropiate and serious way of expressing himself, with a wonderful vocabularly, straightforward and respectful and that he understood the temper of affections of the kingdom as well as any man.”

Question 5

What does John Morrill say about Pym

Answer 5

• challenged the extent to which Pym’s speechmaking was effective,
• attributed his political success to skill behind the scene rather than in set-piece speeches

Question 6

What did Conrad Russell say about Pym

Answer 6

• highlighted his lack of humour and poor people skills

Question 7

Pym’s aims

Answer 7

• not inherently revolutionary
• Was active in 1620s Parliaments in finance
• Led 1626 attempted impeachment of Buckingham
• Where Pym differed from Clarendon, and many of his own colleagues, was recognising Charles would not keep commitments he felt had been forced from him.
• However, Pym was hampered by the fact Charles was essential to a stable government and society
• feared Chalres was using thorough to undermine the English legal system
• did not want seperate Church, simply felt that Laudianism had lead CoE estray; restore it to early James I reign
• Insisted that any political settlement with King must contain a religious settlement

Question 8

John Pym (1584 – 1643)

Answer 8

• MP for Tavistock, a seat controlled by Earl of Bedford
• Lawyer

Question 9

Arguments for John Pym simply administering Parliament’s will:

Answer 9

• Representative Role: Pym was influential but not the sole decision-maker; Parliament’s actions were collective.
• Limited Autonomy: Pym’s actions were constrained by other members, political factions, and external pressures.
• External Influences: Pym had to respond to public opinion, the king’s actions, and looming civil war, limiting his independent influence.
• Committee System: Decisions were made collectively through committees, where Pym played a significant role but couldn’t impose his will alone.

Question 10

Arguments for John Pym actively shaping Parliament’s will:

Answer 10

• Leadership Role: Pym was a recognized leader who actively shaped debates, agendas, and decisions through his skills and strategic thinking.
• Strategic Initiatives: Pym initiated key actions like impeachments and crucial legislation, demonstrating proactive leadership.
• Coalition Building: Pym built coalitions and rallied support for common goals, exerting significant influence within Parliament.
• Symbol of Opposition: Pym’s leadership made him a symbol of resistance against royal absolutism, galvanizing support for Parliament’s cause.

Question 11

Clarendon’s History of the Great Rebellion and Civil Wars in England 1674: Who was regarded as the most experienced man in Parliament?

Answer 11

“Mr Pym was looked upon as the man of greatest experience in Parliament…but known to be inclined to the puritan party”

Question 12

Clarendon’s History of the Great Rebellion and Civil Wars in England 1674: What was the Earl of Bedford’s intention regarding his influence at court?

Answer 12

“The Earl of Bedford… intended to make himself and his friends great at court, not at all to lessen the court itself.”

Question 13

Clarendon’s History of the Great Rebellion and Civil Wars in England 1674: What was the Lord Viscount Say’s position in Parliament?

Answer 13

“The Lord Viscount Say…had always great credit and authority in parliament…”

Question 14

Clarendon’s History of the Great Rebellion and Civil Wars in England 1674: What role did the Lord Viscount Say play in influencing events against the government?

Answer 14

“…he was in truth the pilot that steered all those vessels which were freighted with sedition to destroy the government.”