The Irish Dimension is extremely important in understanding the origins of the English Civil War. By mid-1641, Charles had settled his differences with the English Parliament and was on his way north to make peace with the Scots. When Ireland exploded in rebellion in November, it drew the sovereign into conflict with his subjects and set the three kingdoms on the path to prolonged and bloody conflict. Relations between Parliament and King were especially tense during 1641-2. In time of war, Charles expected Parliament to provide him with soldiers and funds, but what he received was the Grand Remonstrance, a document outlining eleven years of alleged religious and political abuse. When Charles tried and failed to arrest his Parliamentary opponents in January 1642, conflict between Crown and Parliament became inevitable. Charles' departure from London and the growing rift with Parliament forced people to start taking sides during 1642. Family ties and long-standing friendships were placed under intolerable pressure as the country started to polarise. When Charles raised his standard at Nottingham in August 1642, the scene was set for war. The opening twelve months of the war were inconclusive. Edgehill was a draw and the two sides drew back from major conflict at Turnham Green. A truce in Ireland released troops to join the Royalist cause, while Parliament entered into a Solemn League and Covenant with the Scots Presbyterians in September 1643. Following Royalist advances in the north-west during 1644, Charles ordered his nephew to relieve the siege of York, a decision which was to have fateful consequences.