The Impact of Personal Rule after 1629

Impact on Governance and Law

Charles’s Personal Rule signified a major constitutional shift as he tried to govern without Parliament’s involvement.
He relied heavily on the royal prerogative, the powers that the monarch could exercise without consent of Parliament, which created resentment among his subjects.
His methods of raising finance, like Ship Money, were legally dubious, leading to profound civil dissatisfaction and questions about the king’s respect for the law.
His move for more religious uniformity, like the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer in Scotland, ignored the Scottish Parliament and led to the Bishops’ Wars.

Economic and Social Impact

Charles’s financial policies were often heavy-handed and exploitative, impacting the livelihoods of his subjects.
Monopolies and patents were sold to raise funds - this system often led to price inflation and instability, distressing the people further.
Charles also accumulated wealth through fines and feudal dues. His usage of an outdated system showed his disregard for the economic well-being of his people.

Impact on Religion

Charles’s religious policies sparked considerable controversy. His affiliation with High Anglicanism was seen as a threat to the Protestant establishment.
His appointment of William Laud as Archbishop of Canterbury introduced a strain of High Church Anglicanism, which was misconstrued as Catholicism. This caused fear and resentment among Protestants.
His attempts to mould a uniform Church, as seen in his introduction of the Book of Common Prayer in Scotland, led to the outbreak of the Bishops’ Wars.

Impact on Future Relations with Parliament

The king’s lack of communication and collaboration with Parliament during Personal Rule would further strain the strained relationship in the future.
His insistence on ruling alone aroused feelings of betrayal and fears of an absolute monarchy among the members of Parliament.
By the end of the Personal Rule, the mistrust and resentment had set the stage for the conflict between Charles and Parliament, which would later lead to the English Civil War.
When Charles was compelled to recall Parliament in 1640 due to the Bishops’ Wars, his 11 years of autocratic rule had created an obstinate Parliament that was prepared to challenge him.