King Charles I Raised His Standard at Nottingham, Initiating a Civil War in England

August 22, 1642 – King Charles I Raises His Standard at Nottingham, Beginning the English Civil War

On this date, King Charles I raised his royal standard at Nottingham, symbolically declaring war against Parliament and formally beginning the English Civil War.

The conflict arose from long-standing tensions between the Royalists (supporters of the King, often called Cavaliers) and Parliamentarians (known as Roundheads due to their closely cropped hair). These tensions stemmed from disputes over religion, taxation, and the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament.

Over the next nine years, the war would engulf England, Scotland, and Ireland, leading to significant bloodshed and upheaval. The eventual outcome was the defeat of the Royalists, the trial and execution of King Charles I in 1649, and the temporary establishment of a Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

This civil war reshaped the political structure of Britain and set lasting precedents for the limits of monarchical authority.