Timeline
Who's who?
Get a grip on the main events in the lives of the Civil War's key players.
Marching unto war
From the first rumblings of political and religious unrest, to the shattering upheaval of war, and the aftershocks which followed the march into Civil War.
What happened during the English Civil War? Our timeline explores year-by-year; click on any year for an in-depth guide to that month's events.
1636
Charles decides to impose the Anglican Prayer Book on Scotland.
1637
Punishment of Prynne, Burton and Bastwick and a riot at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.
1638
Scottish National Covenant signed and the Church of Scotland abolishes Bishops.
1639
Charles' army moves up to Berwick and the first Bishop's war ends.
1642
Charles attempts to make arrests, his standard is raised in Nottingham, battle of Edgehill and Turnham Green.
1643
Rupert seizes Bristol, Charles concludes a truce, and the death of John Pym.
1644
Scots Covenanter army enters England, Battle of Marsdon Moor and Parliament passes self-denying ordinance.
1645
New Model Army ordinance issued, Fairfax replaces Essex and the Battles of Naseby and Piliphaugh.
1646
Charles surrenders to the Covenanters, Battle of Benburb.
1647
Charles taken prisoner and concludes an 'Engagement' with the Scots.
1648
Parliament issues a Vote of No Address, 2nd Civil War begins, Battle of Preston and Pride's Purge.
1649
Execution of Charles I, Parliament abolishes monarchy, England declared a free commonwealth.
Content last updated: 07/01/2001
