The Attempted Arrest of the Five Members: January 4, 1642

On January 4, 1642, King Charles I of England made a dramatic and unprecedented move that significantly escalated tensions between the monarchy and Parliament, contributing to the outbreak of the English Civil War. This event is known as the attempted arrest of the Five Members.

Context Leading Up to the Event

The early 17th century in England was marked by growing conflicts between the monarchy and Parliament over issues of authority, religion, and finances. King Charles I, who ascended to the throne in 1625, believed in the divine right of kings, which often put him at odds with Parliament, particularly over his attempts to rule without its consent and his methods of raising revenue.

Tensions reached a boiling point in the late 1630s and early 1640s. Charles’ imposition of unpopular taxes and his religious policies, perceived as too sympathetic to Catholicism, alienated many of his subjects. The situation worsened with the Bishops’ Wars against Scotland and the need for funds, forcing Charles to call the Long Parliament in 1640 after an 11-year period of personal rule.

The Event: January 4, 1642

The immediate trigger for the attempted arrest was the Grand Remonstrance, a document passed by the House of Commons in November 1641, which criticized Charles’ policies and demanded parliamentary control over the military. In response, Charles decided to take decisive action against what he saw as a rebellious faction within Parliament.

On January 4, 1642, Charles entered the House of Commons with an armed escort, intending to arrest five members: John Pym, John Hampden, Denzil Holles, Arthur Haselrig, and William Strode. These men were leading figures in the opposition against the king. However, forewarned of the king’s intentions, the five members had already fled.

Charles’ intrusion into the Commons was a grave breach of parliamentary privilege. When he arrived, he found the chamber empty of the intended targets. He famously declared, “I see the birds have flown,” and left empty-handed.

Aftermath and Significance

The attempted arrest was a pivotal moment in English history. It demonstrated Charles’ willingness to use force against Parliament, further eroding trust and support among his subjects. The event galvanized opposition to the king and led to increased support for the parliamentary cause.

In the months following the attempted arrest, both sides began to prepare for armed conflict. By August 1642, the English Civil War had officially begun, pitting Royalists (supporters of the king) against Parliamentarians.

The conflict would last until 1651, resulting in the trial and execution of Charles I in 1649, the temporary abolition of the monarchy, and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

The attempted arrest of the Five Members remains a symbol of the struggle for parliamentary sovereignty and the limits of monarchical power, shaping the future of constitutional governance in England.