Seven Steps to Limited Monarchy

Battle of Hastings

Oct 14, 1066

The conclusion of the Norman conquest, William of Normandy conquered England and replaced the ruling class of Anglo-Saxons with French elites. This upheaval weakened both the monarchy and the aristocracy, therefore giving the opportunity for limitations on their power.

Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

The Magna Carta was the first limitation on an English Sovereign’s power. It provided certain rights and privileges to Lords, limiting the traditional kingly ability to do whatever they wanted, when they wanted, to whom they wanted. The most important provision was that the King could not indiscriminately pass taxes without Lordly, or in the future Parliamental, approval.

Model Parliament

Nov 1, 1295

Called by King Edward I, this became the model of what Parliament would be with not only Lords, but more common burgesses. It was the first legally elected legislature in England. The establishment of this new parliament set the basis on which the Parliament of England would limit kingly authority in the future.

Act of Supremacy

Nov 1, 1534

The Act of Supremacy officially separated England from the Catholic Church and established the monarch of England as the head of the English Church. It also began the long conflict between Anglicans and Catholics, a distrust that would undermine a monarchy's ability to declare divine right. Additionally, 17th century kings faced struggles when accused of Catholic sympathies, something that could never have happened if the whole country was Catholic.

Petition of Right

Jun 7, 1628

A compromise by Charles I who needed money to fund war, this Petition, presented by Parliament, set limits on the King's ability to tax, imprison without cause, or quarter troops in homes. These limits were only vaguely accepted by Charles, who was attempting for absolute monarchy, but they set the precedent for Parliament giving its grievances before accepting kingly requests.

Charles I's Execution

Jan 30, 1649

Charles I's execution at the height of the English Civil War showed exactly to what extent a king had to answer to the people. Accused of Catholic sentiment due to his marriage to a French Catholic, Charles's Parliament revolted and began a civil war, a civil war that resulted in the King's execution. The death of Charles also lead to the Lord Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, a time in which England had no official monarchy at all. This vastly reduced the power of English monarchs.

English Bill of Rights

Dec 16, 1689

This Bill of Rights established William and Mary as the monarchs of England, but, by giving them their power, it also made them directly answerable to Parliament. The Bill also further limited the power of the monarchy in favor of power for Parliament, which basically resulted in England never being able to have a supreme monarchy unanswerable to Parliament again.