17th Century England

Lesson 5: 1641 - The First Half

Strafford's Trial

Strafford, now in the Tower of London, had been given the articles of impeachment by Parliament which were the charges against him. He had 3 weeks to make his defence before his trial.

He was charged with misappropriating revenue, encouraging Catholics, making war with Scotland, subverting the Government of Ireland, acting with despotism, betraying the army, breaking up the Parliament of 1640 and preventing the calling of another. Most dangerous of all, it was claimed he had advised the King to use the Irish army to subdue England.

On 22nd March 1641, Strafford came to his trial in Westminster Hall. Pym had been using PR and spin to portray Strafford as cruel, vindictive, dangerous and treasonous. This fermented hatred in the people of the nation to such an extent that people crammed round London to shout against him and riots ensued. Pym even published the charges against Strafford and people read them as the truth, hating him before they had even heard his defence.

The King and Royal Family attended the trial. Strafford, although weak, sick and prematurely aged, made a brilliant and intelligent defence, refuting the charges and even proving some wrong while showing up some of the evidence. Refer to C V Wedgwood's coverage of the trial in The King's Peace.

Pym then brought in a copy of the minutes of one of the King's meetings last year, which had been originally made by the King's Secretary of State, Sir Henry Vane and then copied by Vane's son. The crux of this evidence was the phrase "bring over Irish troops to subdue this country" (England) or did he say "that country" (Scotland).

Sir Henry Vane certainly was evasive, not remembering and not wanting to remember. On April 10th, the shambles of the charges were realised when the court broke up inconclusively. It was clear Strafford could not be charged and some people were murmuring of their sympathy for Strafford.

Pym retorted by producing his own copy of the copy of the original council minutes and Pym’s copy undoubtedly showed that Strafford meant England, when he referred to subduing it with the Irish army. Both original and first copy of the minutes had been lost.

He then looked to his sidekick Sir Arthur Haselrig to introduce a Bill of Attainder. This bill was a legal death sentence that did not require a trial or any evidence – it simply was for the good of the state. By this bill, members voted in Parliament for Strafford’s attainder. It was a resounding victory for Pym, 204 votes to 59 and it was brave of those 59 to register their support for the most hated man in England.

England was in uproar; riots, demonstrations and violence broke out daily with no law and order to curb it. The King did not have the power anymore and Parliament was too busy consolidating its gains.

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