Timeline 1638
1639
Charles' army moves up to Berwick and the first Bishop's war ends: 1639
What happened during the English Civil War? Timeline of events
February: Scottish National Covenant signed
A declaration of Scots national identity and a determination to defend their Kirk against Anglicanism, Charles viewed the Covenant as a sign of rebellion.
Across Scotland antagonism towards the prayer book hardened into a full-scale rebellion against the King. In February 1638, a group of leading Scottish nobles, clergy and gentry met at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh to sign the National Covenant, a document which promised to defend the Presbyterian Scottish Church against any attempt by Charles to introduce the English Prayer Book, the Anglican liturgy or bishops jure divino (the Scots Presbyterians had no opposition to bishops serving as administrators). Copies of the Covenant travelled the length and breadth of Scotland and many more signed up. Although the Covenant urged loyalty to the King, it was a profound declaration of Scottish national pride and a testament to the Scots' desire to defend their Kirk. Defending the Church and remaining loyal to Charles might prove to be incompatible.
November: The Church of Scotland abolishes bishops
Charles responds by suspending use of the Prayer Book and starts gathering an army to crush the Scots.
Content last updated: 07/01/2001
