The English Civil War and Aftermath
By: Benji Lockhart
Charles the 1st Final Speech
“All the world knows that I never did begin a war with the two Houses of Parliament. ….for I do believe that ill instruments between them and me has been the chief cause of all this bloodshed. I have forgiven all the world, and even those in particular that have been the chief causers of my death……For the people; And truly I desire their liberty and freedom as much as anybody whomsoever, but I must tell you, that their liberty and freedom consists in having of government; those laws by which their life and their goods may be most their own. It is not for having share in government that is pertaining to them; A subject and a sovereign are clean different things, and therefore until you do put the people in that liberty as I say, certainly they will never enjoy themselves. Sir, it was for this that I am come here. If I would have given way to an arbitrary way, for to have all laws changed according to the power of the Sword, I needed not to have come here, and therefore I tell you….that I am the martyr of the people. I have a good cause and a gracious God on my side.”
Stuart, C. (Director) (1649, January 30). Charles the 1st Final Speech. Execution. Lecture conducted from , London. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/final_speech_charles.htm
Cromwell's dismissal of Rump Parliament
which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice.
Ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government.
Ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.
Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess?
Ye have no more religion than my horse. Gold is your God. Which of you have not bartered your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?
Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defiled this sacred place, and turned the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices?
Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation. You were deputed here by the people to get grievances redressed, are yourselves become the greatest grievance.
Your country therefore calls upon me to cleanse this Augean stable, by putting a final period to your iniquitous proceedings in this House; and which by God's help, and the strength he has given me, I am now come to do.
I command ye therefore, upon the peril of your lives, to depart immediately out of this place.
Go, get you out! Make haste! Ye venal slaves be gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors.
In the name of God, go!"
Cromwell, O. (Director) (1653, April 20). Cromwell's Dismissal of Rump Parliament. Dismissal of Rump Parliament. Lecture conducted from , London. http://www.emersonkent.com/speeches/dismissal_of_the_rump_parliament.htm
Interesting Facts about the English Civil War(s)
1. The total deaths of the three parts of the English Civil was around 200,000.
2. More deaths actually occurred in Scotland and Ireland, rather than the country the war is named after.
3. This was the last civil war to occur on English soil to this day. Unfortunately, Scotland and Ireland have had multiple since.
4. Nicknames for the armies: Parliamentarians: Roundheads. Royalists: Cavaliers.
Foner, E., & Garraty, J. A. (Copyright © 1991 ). English civil wars. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/british-history/english-civil-wars