The Early Situation

Parliament was only called at the monarch's request. Charles avoided it as far as possible, using various legal but undemocratic means to raise money, including taxes on people to pay for ships. Increasing commitments forced him to call parliaments, and when they convened they demanded change. The wealth of the articulate middle classes from places like Gloucester gave them powers previously impossible- and they used them to force change. They forced the king to agree to the execution of his most trusted allies, Archbishop Laud and the Earl of Strafford.

War was effectively declared when the king raised his standard at Nottingham in August 1642, and called for troops to rally to him. Across the country men were already choosing sides and taking up arms.