Charles I
History: KS3, topic 10.1.1
Charles I
Charles I believed in ‘absolute’ monarchy. This meant that he, as king, had supreme power. He ruled England with little consideration of Parliament.
Rise to power
- King Charles I became king in 1625.
- He was the son of King James I of England.
Kingship
- Charles I believed he had a ‘divine’ right to be king. This meant that he thought his role as king was ordained (ordered) by God.
- As the rightful leader of England, Charles I believed he could rule England as he pleased.
Charles I's wife
- Charles was married to Henrietta Maria.
- Henrietta Maria was a French Catholic.
- England was a Protestant country and so Henrietta Maria was not popular.
Test yourself on Charles I
When did Charles I become king?
Who was Charles I's wife?