What event is central to the historical significance of the "Five Members"?

The central event is King Charles I's attempt to arrest five Members of Parliament (MPs) on January 4, 1642. He entered the English House of Commons with armed soldiers during a sitting of the Long Parliament, although the targeted members were not present at that moment. This action was a significant escalation in the conflict between the King and Parliament.

Who were the Five Members that King Charles I attempted to arrest?

The Five Members were John Hampden, Arthur Haselrig, Denzil Holles, John Pym, and William Strode. These individuals were prominent figures in the House of Commons during a period of intense political tension.

When and where did King Charles I attempt to arrest the Five Members?

The attempted arrest took place on January 4, 1642, within the English House of Commons. This occurred during a session of the Long Parliament, a crucial period leading up to the English Civil War.

What was the immediate outcome of Charles I's attempt to arrest the Five Members?

The attempt failed because the Five Members had already left the House. This action backfired, alienating many who had previously supported the King and directly contributing to the outbreak of the English Civil War later in 1642.

What was the broader political context surrounding the attempted arrest of the Five Members?

The relationship between King Charles I and the House of Commons had become increasingly strained throughout 1641. Tensions were fueled by issues such as Puritan influence, alleged encouragement of Scottish invasions, and fears of Catholic plots, leading to accusations of treason against the MPs.

What specific accusations did King Charles I make against the Five Members?

Charles I accused the Five Members, along with peer Edward Montagu, Viscount Mandeville, of encouraging the Scots to invade England during the Bishops' Wars. He also believed they were inciting the populace against him and were planning to impeach the queen, Henrietta Maria, for alleged involvement in Catholic plots.

How did the House of Commons react to the King's accusations and intentions?

The House of Commons convened on January 3, 1642, to consider the allegations. They determined that the King's actions constituted a breach of the House's privilege, asserting their rights against royal intrusion.

What advice did Queen Henrietta Maria and Lord Digby give King Charles I regarding the arrest?

Both Queen Henrietta Maria and Lord Digby advised Charles I to personally go to the House of Commons with an armed guard to carry out the arrests. It is reported that the Queen urged him to act decisively, saying, "Go you poltroon. Go and pull those rogues out by the ears, or never see my face again."

What steps did Charles I take to prevent armed resistance before entering the House of Commons?

To minimize the possibility of armed opposition, Charles I first sent a message to the Lord Mayor of London forbidding him from deploying men to protect Parliament. He then proceeded to the House accompanied by approximately four hundred armed men.

How did the Five Members learn of the King's impending arrival, and what did they do?

The Five Members received word of Charles I's approach via the French Ambassador. Anticipating the King's move, they left the House of Commons around three o'clock and took a barge to the City of London to evade arrest.

Describe the scene when King Charles I entered the House of Commons chamber.

Charles entered the precincts of the House with about eighty armed men who remained in the lobby. He entered the chamber accompanied only by the Elector Palatine. The doors were propped open by Roxburghe, allowing members to see the armed soldiers outside, while Charles proceeded to the front, saluting members.

What was the significance of Speaker William Lenthall's response to King Charles I?

Speaker William Lenthall's response was historically significant because, when asked where the Five Members were, he knelt and stated that he had neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak except as the House directed, declaring himself its servant. This marked the first time a Speaker publicly affirmed allegiance to the liberty of Parliament over the monarch's command.

How did King Charles I react when he could not find the Five Members and heard Lenthall's response?

Charles I studied the benches for a while, lamenting, "all my birds have flown." He then left the chamber "in a more discontented and angry passion than he came in," indicating his frustration and anger at failing to apprehend the Members.

What was the reaction in London following the King's failed attempt to arrest the Five Members?

London was thrown into uproar. The King issued a proclamation demanding the surrender of the fugitives and went to the Guildhall to make the demand in person. However, the City officers and the Inns of Court declared their support for Parliament, defying the King.

How did the citizens of London respond to the perceived threat from the King's actions?

Rumors spread that the King's supporters intended to attack the City. In response, citizens volunteered for its defense, erected barricades, brought out cannons, and prepared to repel any attack, indicating widespread opposition to the King's actions, which many viewed as tyrannical.

What was King Charles I's immediate action after leaving London?

Fearing for his own safety and that of the Queen, Charles I left London on January 10, 1642, for Hampton Court. The text notes he would not return to the capital for seven years, only to face his trial and execution.

How did the Five Members return to Parliament, and what did this signify?

The Five Members emerged from their hiding place in the City of London the day after the King's departure. They returned to Parliament by barge, accompanied by a procession of decorated craft and cheering citizens, symbolizing the King's loss of popular support in London.

What official declaration did the House of Commons issue regarding the King's intrusion?

On January 17, 1642, the House of Commons issued a public declaration denouncing Charles' intrusion as "a high breach of the rights and privileges of parliament, and inconsistent with the liberties and freedoms thereof." They declared the King's order to seize the members unlawful and anyone attempting to do so an enemy of the Commonwealth, while offering parliamentary protection to those who harbored the five.

What was the significance of the Militia Bill in the context of the conflict?

Parliament had been pressing the King to approve the Militia Bill, which would have transferred control of the army from the monarch to Parliament. King Charles I vehemently refused, stating, "By God! Not for an hour!" This refusal further escalated tensions.

How did Parliament proceed after the King's refusal to approve the Militia Bill?

By March 1642, Parliament bypassed the King's refusal and issued the Militia Bill on its own authority as the Militia Ordinance. This action significantly pushed the country closer to the outbreak of civil war.

How is the event of Charles I's attempted arrest of the Five Members commemorated today?

The historical event is commemorated annually during the State Opening of Parliament. This ceremony formally begins each parliamentary session and includes symbolic actions representing the independence of the House of Commons.

Describe the symbolic act of commemoration during the State Opening of Parliament.

During the State Opening, the monarch summons the House of Commons members to the House of Lords. As Black Rod, the monarch's messenger, approaches, the doors to the Commons chamber are slammed shut in his face, symbolizing the independence and rights of the Commons. Black Rod then knocks three times, is admitted, and conveys the summons.

What inaccuracies exist in the depiction of the attempted arrest in the 1970 film *Cromwell*?

The 1970 film *Cromwell* depicts a version of the attempted arrest but inaccurately replaces two of the Five Members, Denzil Holles and William Strode, with Oliver Cromwell and Henry Ireton. This alteration changes the historical figures involved in the event as portrayed in the film.

Who was the artist of the Victorian painting depicting the attempted arrest?

The Victorian painting depicting Lenthall kneeling to Charles during the attempted arrest of the Five Members was created by Charles West Cope. The painting captures a dramatic moment from this historical event.

What was the primary reason for King Charles I's strained relationship with the House of Commons in 1641?

The primary reason was Charles I's belief that certain Puritans, influenced by five vocal Members of Parliament, had encouraged the Scots to invade England and were actively working to turn the populace against him. This distrust and perceived opposition fueled the conflict.

What role did the impeachment of the queen play in the escalating tensions?

Rumors that the Five Members were planning to impeach Queen Henrietta Maria for alleged involvement in Catholic plots further angered King Charles I. This perceived threat against his queen was a significant factor leading him to make accusations of treason against the MPs.

What does the term "Long Parliament" refer to in the context of the Five Members incident?

The "Long Parliament" refers to the English Parliament that convened in 1640 and continued, with modifications, until 1660. The attempted arrest of the Five Members occurred during a sitting of this historically significant and long-lasting parliament.

What was the significance of the "Privilege! Privilege!" shouts from the members of the House of Commons?

The shouts of "Privilege! Privilege!" signified the Members' assertion of their parliamentary rights and immunities. It was a collective protest against the King's violation of the House's established privileges by attempting to arrest them within its chamber.

How did the Inns of Court show their support for Parliament?

The Inns of Court, which were legal professional associations, declared their support for Parliament following the King's attempted arrest. This support demonstrated a broader alignment of influential groups with the parliamentary cause against the King's actions.

What was the general perception of King Charles I's actions in London after the attempted arrest?

To many people in London at the time, Charles I's act of entering the House of Commons with armed men to arrest members was perceived as tyrannical. This perception fueled the public outcry and strengthened support for Parliament.

What was the ultimate fate of King Charles I, as alluded to in the text?

The text alludes to King Charles I's ultimate fate by stating he left London for Hampton Court and was not to return for seven years, "and then only for his own trial and execution." This foreshadows his eventual downfall and death.

What was the "Militia Ordinance," and why was it significant?

The Militia Ordinance was legislation passed by Parliament on its own authority in March 1642, after King Charles I refused to approve the Militia Bill. It effectively transferred control of the kingdom's military forces from the King to Parliament, a critical step that directly led towards the English Civil War.

What does the phrase "all my birds have flown" signify in the context of Charles I's speech?

When King Charles I lamented "all my birds have flown," he was expressing his frustration and disappointment at discovering that the Five Members he intended to arrest had already escaped. It conveyed his failure to achieve his immediate objective.

What was the role of Roxburghe during the King's entry into the House of Commons?

Roxburghe, identified as one of Charles' retainers, played a role in facilitating the King's entrance by propping open the doors to the Commons chamber. This allowed the members inside to witness the armed soldiers waiting in the lobby, emphasizing the intimidating presence Charles brought with him.

What is the historical significance of Speaker Lenthall's declaration of allegiance to the House?

Speaker Lenthall's declaration was historically significant because it represented a pivotal moment where parliamentary authority was explicitly placed above royal authority. It established a precedent for the Speaker's loyalty lying with the institution of Parliament rather than solely with the monarch.

How did the King attempt to assert his authority over the City of London regarding the Five Members?

King Charles I attempted to assert his authority by issuing a proclamation ordering the City of London to surrender the Five Members. He personally went to the Guildhall to demand their handover from the City officers.

What was the nature of the "Bishops' Wars" mentioned in the background section?

The "Bishops' Wars" were conflicts that occurred in the 1630s between King Charles I and the Kingdom of Scotland. The text suggests that Charles believed the Five Members had encouraged the Scots to invade England during these wars, contributing to his distrust of them.

Who was Edward Montagu, Viscount Mandeville, in relation to the Five Members?

Edward Montagu, Viscount Mandeville, was a peer who, along with the Five Members, was believed by Charles I to be involved in actions against him. He would later become the Earl of Manchester.

What does the term "impeach" mean in the context of the Queen Henrietta Maria?

In this context, "impeach" refers to the process by which Parliament could formally accuse a person of serious wrongdoing or treason. The rumor that Parliament intended to impeach the Queen suggested a severe challenge to the King's authority and his consort.

What was the "Parliamentary privilege" that the House of Commons claimed was breached?

Parliamentary privilege refers to the rights and immunities granted to Members of Parliament and the institution of Parliament itself. The Commons considered the King's attempt to arrest its members within the chamber a direct violation of these fundamental privileges, which protect MPs from arbitrary arrest and ensure the freedom of parliamentary proceedings.

What was the role of the French Ambassador in the events of January 4, 1642?

The French Ambassador played a role by relaying information to the Five Members about King Charles I's impending arrival at the House of Commons. This warning allowed the Members to leave the chamber before the King could arrest them.

What does the source imply about the King's state of mind during the attempted arrest?

The source implies King Charles I was hesitant about decisive action but was persuaded by his wife and Lord Digby. After his failure to find the Members, he left the House "in a more discontented and angry passion than he came in," indicating his frustration and anger.

How did the King's actions contribute to the outbreak of the English Civil War?

The King's attempt to arrest members of Parliament by force was seen as a tyrannical act that alienated many, including former supporters. This, combined with Parliament's subsequent assertion of its authority (like the Militia Ordinance), created an irreconcilable rift that directly led to the outbreak of civil war.

What is the significance of the "State Opening of Parliament" in relation to the Five Members incident?

The State Opening of Parliament commemorates the historical conflict between the Crown and Parliament, specifically the attempted arrest of the Five Members. The ceremony includes symbolic actions that reinforce the independence and privileges of the House of Commons, which were central to the dispute.

What does the slamming of the Commons' doors in the face of Black Rod symbolize?

The slamming of the doors symbolizes the historical assertion of the House of Commons' independence and its right to refuse entry or demands from the monarch or their representatives without proper procedure. It is a reenactment of the assertion of parliamentary privilege against royal authority.

Who is Black Rod, and what is their role in the State Opening of Parliament?

Black Rod is the official who carries out certain ceremonial duties for the monarch in the House of Lords. During the State Opening of Parliament, Black Rod is sent by the monarch to summon the Members of the House of Commons to attend the monarch in the House of Lords, acting as a messenger between the two houses and the Crown.

What specific historical period does the attempted arrest of the Five Members fall into?

The attempted arrest of the Five Members occurred in January 1642, falling into the period leading up to the English Civil War. It is a key event within the broader context of the tumultuous relationship between King Charles I and Parliament in the 1640s.

What was the "Parliamentary privilege" that the Five Members were seen to represent?

The Five Members represented parliamentary privilege, which includes the right of MPs to speak freely in Parliament without fear of reprisal and to be protected from arbitrary arrest by the Crown. Their attempted arrest was viewed as a direct assault on these fundamental rights essential for a functioning Parliament.

What was the King's ultimate goal in attempting to arrest the Five Members?

King Charles I's ultimate goal was likely to neutralize key opposition figures within Parliament whom he believed were undermining his authority and inciting rebellion. By arresting them, he sought to regain control and silence dissent within the House of Commons.

How did the actions of the City of London and the Inns of Court contribute to the political climate?

The City of London's officers and the Inns of Court declared their support for Parliament, defying the King's proclamation. This demonstrated a significant shift in allegiance away from the Crown and towards Parliament, bolstering Parliament's position and contributing to the widespread public opposition to Charles I's actions.

What does the source suggest about the role of Henrietta Maria in the events leading to the Civil War?

The source suggests Queen Henrietta Maria played an influential role by advising King Charles I to personally arrest the Five Members. Her alleged encouragement, including the quote about pulling "rogues out by the ears," indicates her active involvement in pushing the King towards decisive, albeit ultimately disastrous, action.

Five Members Wiki: The King's Gambit: The Five Members and the Spark of Civil War

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Background

A Fraught Relationship

By 1641, the relationship between King Charles I of England and the House of Commons had deteriorated significantly. The Commons, increasingly influenced by Puritan factions, perceived the King's actions and policies as threats to their liberties and the established order. This tension was exacerbated by recent events, including the Bishops' Wars, which some parliamentarians believed were encouraged by the King's perceived leniency towards Catholic influences and his own absolutist tendencies.

Accusations and Privilege

Rumors circulated that the King's opponents in Parliament intended to impeach the Queen, Henrietta Maria, for alleged involvement in Catholic plots. This, coupled with ongoing political disputes, led Charles to believe that a group of five prominent Members of Parliament—John Pym, John Hampden, Denzil Holles, Arthur Haselrig, and William Strode—were actively undermining his authority and encouraging sedition. He formally accused them of treason in the House of Lords. The House of Commons, however, convened on January 3, 1642, and swiftly declared these accusations a grave breach of parliamentary privilege, asserting their right to debate and act without royal coercion.

The Attempted Arrest

Royal Intervention

Facing resistance from Parliament, Charles I resolved to take direct action. Advised by his Queen and Lord Digby, he decided to personally enter the House of Commons during a session to arrest the Five Members. To prevent any armed opposition, he first instructed the Lord Mayor of London to forbid the city from protecting Parliament. On January 4, 1642, Charles entered the Commons chamber with approximately 80 armed men, leaving them in the lobby while he proceeded inside with only his nephew, the Elector Palatine.

The Speaker's Defiance

The Five Members, forewarned of the King's intentions, had already departed the House and sought refuge in the City of London. Charles removed his hat and addressed Speaker William Lenthall, demanding the whereabouts of the accused members. Lenthall famously responded, "May it please your majesty, I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak in this place but as this House is pleased to direct me whose servant I am here; and I humbly beg your majesty's pardon that I cannot give any other answer than this to what your majesty is pleased to demand of me." This declaration marked a pivotal moment, asserting the Speaker's allegiance to the House over the monarch, a significant challenge to royal authority.

The King's Retreat

Unable to identify or apprehend the Members, and met with the Speaker's resolute defiance, Charles famously declared, "All my birds have flown." He left the chamber in visible anger, followed by shouts of "Privilege! Privilege!" from the assembled Members. The King's direct, forceful intervention into the proceedings of the House of Commons was widely perceived as a tyrannical act, deeply eroding his support and escalating the constitutional crisis.

London in Uproar

Civic Defiance

Following the King's failed attempt, London erupted in protest. Charles's subsequent demand for the City of London to surrender the Five Members was met with outright defiance. City officials declared their unwavering support for Parliament, and the Inns of Court also rallied to the parliamentary cause. As the King departed Whitehall, he passed through a city in turmoil, with rumors of royalist attacks fueling public alarm. Citizens erected barricades and mobilized thousands to defend the City, demonstrating a powerful surge of popular support for Parliament against what was seen as royal overreach.

Aftermath and Escalation

Royal Flight and Parliamentary Resolve

Fearing for his safety and that of the Queen, Charles I abruptly left London on January 10, 1642, retreating to Hampton Court. He would not return to the capital for seven years, by which time he faced trial and execution. The following day, the Five Members triumphantly returned to Parliament, escorted by a grand procession of boats and cheering citizens, signifying the King's loss of popular favor in London.

Formal Denunciation

On January 17, the House of Commons issued a formal declaration condemning the King's actions as a "high breach of the rights and privileges of parliament." They asserted that the King's order to arrest the Members had no legal basis and declared anyone attempting such an arrest an enemy of the Commonwealth, while promising parliamentary protection to those who harbored the Five Members. This solidified Parliament's stance and further polarized the nation.

The Path to War

The constitutional crisis deepened as Parliament pushed for the Militia Ordinance, which would transfer control of the nation's armed forces from the King to Parliament. Charles's refusal—famously stating, "By God! Not for an hour!"—led Parliament to enact the ordinance on its own authority by March 1642. This decisive move, directly challenging the King's prerogative, set the stage for the inevitable outbreak of the English Civil War later that year.

Commemoration

The Ceremony of Black Rod

The historical event of Charles I's attempted arrest is symbolically reenacted annually during the State Opening of Parliament. The monarch, seated in the House of Lords, dispatches Black Rod, the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, to summon the Members of the House of Commons. Upon reaching the Commons chamber, the doors are deliberately slammed shut in Black Rod's face, symbolizing the independence and rights of the elected representatives. After three ceremonial knocks, the doors are opened, and Black Rod delivers the summons for the Members to attend the monarch in the House of Lords.

Depiction in Film

Historical Inaccuracies

The dramatic events surrounding the attempted arrest of the Five Members were notably depicted in the 1970 film Cromwell. However, the cinematic portrayal takes significant historical liberties. In the film, Oliver Cromwell and Henry Ireton are inaccurately substituted for two of the actual Five Members, Denzil Holles and William Strode, altering the historical cast of this critical confrontation.

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The King's Gambit

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Background 📜

🏛️ A Fraught Relationship

🗣️ Accusations and Privilege

The Attempted Arrest ⚔️

👑 Royal Intervention

🗣️ The Speaker's Defiance

🏃 The King's Retreat

London in Uproar 📣

🏙️ Civic Defiance

Aftermath and Escalation 💥

✈️ Royal Flight and Parliamentary Resolve

📜 Formal Denunciation

⚖️ The Path to War

Commemoration 🎭

🚪 The Ceremony of Black Rod

Depiction in Film 🎬

🎞️ Historical Inaccuracies

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Background

A Fraught Relationship

Accusations and Privilege

The Attempted Arrest

Royal Intervention

The Speaker's Defiance

The King's Retreat

London in Uproar

Civic Defiance

Aftermath and Escalation

Royal Flight and Parliamentary Resolve

Formal Denunciation

The Path to War

Commemoration

The Ceremony of Black Rod

Depiction in Film

Historical Inaccuracies

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice