Regicide and Republic

by Graham E. Seel

Published 15 February 2001
An engaging range of period texts and theme books for AS and A Level history. The period from 1603 to 1660 is characterised by complex religious and political developments, and dramatic events such as the execution of Charles I, civil war and the introduction of a republican form of government. In this clearly argued account, Graham E. Seel identifies the main political, religious and economic factors that help explain the events of this turbulent period, and assesses the role of leading personalities such as James VI and I, Charles I, Buckingham and Cromwell. Regicide and republic includes the additional document study The Civil War, 1637-49.

An engaging range of period texts and theme books for AS and A Level history. The relations between the crown and parliament in England between the accession of Elizabeth I in 1558 and the Revolution of 1688-89 are examined. The authors analyse the changing nature of royal powers and the limitations that were placed upon them. The reasons for the development of a limited monarchy, and the role that the individual monarchs' personalities played, are explored through a series of stimulating case studies and primary sources. Central themes include changes in the balance of power between crown and parliament, the growing constraints on royal powers, and the evolution of parliament into a permanent institution.