The Bishops' Wars: Timeline 1638-41

An overview of developments in Scotland and England during the crisis that resulted in the two Bishops' Wars of 1639-40.

1638

Feb 28	First signing of the Scottish National Covenant at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh.
Jun 09	The Marquis of Hamilton arrives in Edinburgh as the King's commissioner to resolve the crisis in Scotland.
Nov 21	The Glasgow Assembly meets.
Nov 28	The Marquis of Hamilton declares the dissolution of the Glasgow Assembly, but the Assembly continues to sit.
Dec 08	The Glasgow Assembly abolishes bishops from the Scottish Kirk.
Dec 20	The Glasgow Assembly dissolves itself.
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1639

Jan 26	King Charles proclaims his intention to raise an army against the Scots.
March	Outbreak of the First Bishops' War.
May 30	Covenanter troops occupy Kelso near the border with England.
Jun 03	The English cavalry retreats from Kelso; collapse of morale in the King's army.
Jun 05	The King agrees to negotiate with the Scots.
Jun 19	Signing of the Pacification of Berwick.
Dec 05	King Charles informs his Privy Council that he will summon a Parliament in England to prepare for another war with Scotland.
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1640

Apr 13	The Short Parliament meets.
May 05	The King dissolves the Short Parliament.
Jun 02	The Committee of Estates appointed to govern Scotland and to prepare for war with England
Aug 03	The Committee of Estates votes to mount a pre-emptive invasion of England: the Second Bishops' War.
Aug 28	The battle of Newburn: the English army defeated.
Oct 26	Signing of the Treaty of Ripon.
Nov 03	The Long Parliament meets.
Nov 10	Scottish commissioners arrive in London to negotiate the finalisation of the Treaty of Ripon.
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1641

Jul 24	The Scottish Parliament approves the draft of the treaty negotiated in London.
Aug 10	King Charles signs the Treaty of London with the Scottish commissioners.
Aug 14	The King arrives in Edinburgh.
Aug 28	King Charles ratifies all legislation recently passed in the Scottish Parliament.
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