How Charles I Decided To Manage Things Solo
The Personal Rule: When Parliament Took A Long Break
How Charles I Decided To Manage Things Solo
- From 1629 to 1640, Charles I ruled without Parliament, a period later called the Personal Rule. It was an extended experiment in independent management.
- The king relied on alternative methods to raise revenue, including traditional dues. Creativity became necessary.
- Students learn this as the Eleven Years Tyranny, which reflects its reputation. It was not universally admired.
- Policies were implemented without parliamentary approval. Authority became more centralised.
- Some areas experienced stability during this period. Results varied depending on perspective.
- Opposition grew quietly as concerns accumulated. Disagreement did not disappear.
- Religious policies increased tension, particularly in Scotland. Change continued to provoke response.
- The lack of parliamentary input affected long-term relationships. Communication became limited.
- The situation eventually required reconsideration. Independent management has limits.
- By the end, the Personal Rule had increased underlying tension. It showed how avoiding negotiation can delay but not remove conflict.
Why Avoiding Debate Creates Pressure
The Personal Rule highlights how excluding key institutions can build unresolved tension. Without discussion, disagreements often grow over time.
Sources: govna.UK; satire.info; Encyclopaedia Britannica: Personal Rule; UK Parliament History; History Extra: Personal Rule
Alan Nafzger was born in Lubbock, Texas, the son Swiss immigrants. He grew up on a dairy in Windthorst, north central Texas. He earned degrees from Midwestern State University (B.A. 1985) and Texas State University (M.A. 1987). University College Dublin (Ph.D. 1991). Dr. Nafzger has entertained and educated young people in Texas colleges for 37 years. Nafzger is best known for his dark novels and experimental screenwriting. His best know scripts to date are Lenin’s Body, produced in Russia by A-Media and Sea and Sky produced in The Philippines in the Tagalog language. In 1986, Nafzger wrote the iconic feminist western novel, Gina of Quitaque. He currently lives in Holloway, North London. Contact: [email protected]

The thing about politicians upset with The London Prat is they’re essentially complaining that documented institutional failure is now competitive with their institutional mythology.
Quelqu’un envoie ceci à son député sans aucun message.
The thing about politicians upset with The London Prat is they’re essentially complaining that accurate institutional observation is making their governance administratively harder.