History of the Gregorian Calendar and Union in Britain

A royal charter issued in 1215 that limited the power of the English King and enshrined the rights of the English Barons.

Documents granting specific rights and freedoms to towns or cities, limiting royal interference.

A body of law developed through court precedent, gradually replacing local customary laws.

William the Conqueror's invasion of England in 1066, leading to significant cultural and legal changes.

A social and political system in medieval Europe where land ownership is exchanged for military service.

A prominent religious figure who challenged King Henry II's authority, leading to his assassination.

A royal court responsible for managing the royal finances.

The French language used in the English royal court and courts of justice after the Norman conquest.

An assembly of wise men, primarily noblemen, that served as an advisory body in Anglo-Saxon England (6th-11th centuries).

The King's Council in Norman England, composed of advisors, nobles, and churchmen, responsible for administering the kingdom, collecting taxes, and advising on laws.

A group of advisors, nobles, and churchmen who helped the King govern England during the Norman period, evolving from the Witenagemot.

The Curia Regis was responsible for daily administration, collecting taxes, and advising the King on legal matters.

The King's Council consisted of the King's primary advisors, nobles (landowners and barons), and church officials (bishops).

King John's excessive taxation, military campaigns, and conflict with the Pope led to significant discontent among the English barons, resulting in open rebellion and civil war.

Habeas corpus ensures that individuals cannot be arbitrarily arrested or have their property seized without due process of law. It protects against unlawful imprisonment by requiring the government to present a valid reason for detention.

The Magna Carta guaranteed freemen the right to a fair trial (judgment by their peers), protection against arbitrary seizure of property, and freedom from arbitrary arrest.

The Magna Carta, a document from 1215, is seen as the beginning of the English Parliament. It mentioned a 'common counsel of the kingdom,' referring to an assembly of church dignitaries and barons. This council was initially summoned by the king for specific purposes like deciding taxes.

A payment made in lieu of military service, allowing individuals to buy their way out of fighting.

In 1258, Simon de Montfort, a leading figure of the aristocracy, summoned a parliament and issued the 'Provisions of Oxford.' This set the stage for a more regular parliament with three sessions a year and representatives elected for the King's Council.

King Edward I, in calling the 'Model Parliament' in 1295, said 'what touches all, should be approved of all.' This assembly included representatives from various social classes, from clergy and aristocracy to commoners, setting the model for future parliaments.

By the 14th century, the English Parliament became divided into two houses: the House of Lords with the aristocracy and clergy and the House of Commons with the gentry and commercial classes.

A class of people who descended from lower social status but were not ordinary commoners. They played a significant role in the House of Commons.

In 1429, Parliament passed a law granting the right to vote to freeholders with property worth at least 40 shillings a year. This right applied only to the representatives for the House of Commons.

In 1445, the right to vote and be elected to the House of Commons was restricted to gentlemen by birth, excluding commoners.

The military force assembled by Parliament during the English Civil War, comprised of middle-class 'Roundheads' and working-class foot soldiers.

Supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War, consisting of the aristocracy, landed gentry, and High Churchmen.

A prominent Puritan general who led the Parliamentary army to victory during the English Civil War.

A decisive battle in 1645 where the Parliamentary army decisively defeated the Royalists.

The remaining members of Parliament after the more conservative members were expelled, composed of Republicans who ultimately decided to execute Charles I.

The Parliamentarians eliminated the King's absolute power and special courts like the Star Chamber and Privy Council.

The act of killing a king, which was a controversial issue in the aftermath of Charles I's execution

The killing of a tyrant, a justification used by the Parliamentarians to legitimize the execution of Charles I.

Elizabeth I faced challenges reconciling diverse religious views, with Catholics seeking the restoration of Catholicism and Puritans aiming for a more reformed Church of England. This led to various tensions and conflicts, even imprisonment for religious reasons.

Puritans pushed for a complete reform of the Church of England, advocating for changes in clergy education, a more simplified church structure, and purging any perceived moral corruption.

Elizabeth I attempted to enforce a single religious system, but it proved difficult to implement. Many people were punished for religious practices, and local tensions arose between 'malcontents' and those who followed the Church.

Mary Queen of Scots, a Catholic, was deposed by her Protestant subjects, leading to her son James VI taking the throne. Mary sought refuge in England but was executed by Elizabeth in 1587.

James VI of Scotland succeeded Elizabeth I as James I of England, uniting the kingdoms under one crown. He was known as the 'Philosopher King' for his theological and political writings, particularly advocating for the divine right of kings.

James I believed in the divine right of kings, a theory that monarchs derived their authority directly from God and were accountable only to God.

While James I contributed to the unification of England and Scotland, his adherence to the divine right of kings led to growing tensions with Parliament and fueled religious conflict.

The religious and political tensions during Elizabeth's reign and continued under James I contributed to the outbreak of the English Civil War in the 17th century, signifying a major upheaval in English history.