Overview of the Civil War
The reign of Charles I, beginning in 1625, deteriorated into civil war and regicide. But the republic set up in his place was ousted by military rule under Oliver Cromwell. Then in 1660 the monarchy was restored under Charles II.
By June 1649 England was a Commonwealth. What had happened to the King and House of Lords by that time?
Discover how Parliament won the first civil war against the king despite being torn apart with its own internal divisions
The Long Parliament wanted to dismantle the structures of Personal Rule. What measures, some of them drastic, did they take?
A statue of Oliver Cromwell stands outside the Houses of Parliament. Was he really the great defender of parliamentary rule?
The King and Parliament had been arguing for months. But what tipped the country over into civil war in 1642?
Charles II was restored to the throne. What happened to bring this change about?
Discover more about how historians have interpreted the events of the Civil War over the centuries
Learn about the Interregnum reforms to the Commons, many of which were not seen again until the 19th century
Learn about the first two experiments in republican rule in England and Oliver Cromwell's military coup of government
Learn how relations between Charles I and Parliament started off badly in the first few years of his reign
Charles was able to rule without Parliament for 11 years. But what forced him to summon two Parliaments in 1640?