The Petition of Right declared the illegality—1, of all pecuniary demands without the consent of parliament; 2, of the punishment of persons for refusing to pay such demands; 3, of billeting soldiers and mariners on private subjects; 4, of proceedings for punishing persons by martial law.
1629. Parliament dissolved for passing resolutions on religion and taxation which were obnoxious to the king. Some of the principal members imprisoned.
1632. Lord Wentworth appointed deputy of Ireland.
1633. Laud appointed archbishop of Canterbury.
1634. Imposition of ship-money on seaport towns. It was extended to inland towns in the following year.
1637. John Hampden having refused to pay ship-money, the legality of the tax was discussed before the judges, who decided in its favour. An attempt to introduce a book of canons and a liturgy in Scotland led to great disturbances.
1638. The Scots drew up a covenant, by which they pledged themselves to resist all innovations in religion.
1639. Charles determined to coerce the Scots, who assembled an army. Not having confidence in his forces, he agreed to an accommodation with the Scots, known as the Pacification of Berwick.
1640. Fourth parliament assembled, and was soon dissolved, because it refused to grant money without a redress of grievances. The Scots invaded England, and defeated the royal vanguard at Newburn (Aug. 28). Treaty of Ripon, by the terms of which the Scottish army was to abstain from all acts of hostility, on condition of receiving a weekly payment till the differences between them and the king were adjusted. THE LONG PARLIAMENT assembled (Nov. 3). The earl of Strafford (Lord Wentworth) impeached of high treason.