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.
| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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