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First English Civil War (1642–1646)

The First English Civil War (1642–1646) was fought between supporters of Charles I, known as Royalists, and Parliamentarians who challenged the King’s authority. It grew out of disputes over royal power, taxation and religion. The conflict formed part of the wider Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which involved England, Scotland and Ireland.

Charles I, Prince Rupert and other Royalist figures are shown planning prior to the opening battle of the First Civil War
Charles I, Prince Rupert and other Royalist figures are shown planning prior to the opening battle of the First Civil War.

 

First English Civil War (1642–1646)

The First English Civil War began after attempts to resolve the divisions between Charles I and Parliament failed. The King raised his standard at Nottingham in August 1642, marking the beginning of open warfare. Neither side secured a quick victory, and the conflict developed into a prolonged struggle for military and political advantage.

The outbreak of war in 1642

The political crisis that led to war had developed over many years. Charles I’s personal rule, disputes over taxation and disagreements about the Church had weakened relations between the Crown and Parliament. The Scottish Covenanters’ resistance to the King’s religious policies, and the Bishops’ Wars of 1639 and 1640, had further exposed the limits of royal authority.

When Parliament was recalled in 1640, it sought to restrict the King’s powers and address grievances accumulated during his personal rule. The Irish Rebellion of 1641 added to the crisis, while disagreements over control of the armed forces and the response to unrest made a political settlement increasingly difficult.

By 1642, the King and Parliament could not agree on who should control the militia or how the country should be governed. Charles raised his standard at Nottingham on 22 August 1642. The opposing sides became known as the Royalists and Parliamentarians, although loyalties were influenced by local circumstances, political convictions and religious beliefs.

For the background to the conflict, see Causes of the English Civil Wars.

Campaigns and the changing balance of power, 1643–1644

The war continued through 1643 and 1644, with both sides attempting to secure territory, resources and support. The conflict was not simply a contest between two uniform national groups: loyalties varied between regions and communities, and the religious and political divisions of the period shaped decisions about which side to support.

Parliament’s agreement with the Scottish Covenanters brought Scottish forces into the conflict on its side. This alliance helped alter the military balance and contributed to Parliamentarian success in northern England in 1644.

The existing accounts of the First Battle of Newbury and the Battle of Marston Moor provide detailed coverage of those engagements.

The New Model Army and the Royalist defeat, 1645

Parliament’s military organisation changed in 1645 with the creation of the New Model Army. The reorganisation followed criticism of the way the war had been conducted and was intended to create a more effective, coordinated force. Sir Thomas Fairfax became commander-in-chief, while Oliver Cromwell emerged as a prominent cavalry commander.

The New Model Army strengthened Parliament’s ability to sustain military operations. The Royalist defeat at Naseby in June 1645 was a major turning point: much of Charles I’s principal field army was lost, weakening the King’s capacity to continue the war.

For the organisation and significance of this force, see The New Model Army.

The end of the First English Civil War, 1646

By 1646, the Royalist military position had deteriorated. Charles I surrendered to the Scottish Covenanters, and Oxford, his principal wartime headquarters, surrendered in June. The main phase of fighting came to an end, but the political disputes that had caused the war remained unresolved.

Negotiations over the future of the monarchy, religious settlement and control of the armed forces failed to produce an agreement acceptable to the principal parties. Parliament, the army and the Scottish Covenanters did not share identical objectives, while Charles continued to seek a settlement on terms he could accept.

The failure to reach a lasting settlement helped create the conditions for renewed conflict in 1648. The First English Civil War had ended, but the struggle over the government and religious future of the three kingdoms had not.

The wider context is explored in The Wars of the Three Kingdoms (1639–1651).

Further Reading