CIVIL WAR RECORDS

The conflict that took place from 1642 to 1646 between the supporters of Charles I and those who upheld the cause of Parliament is often referred to as the English Civil War, largely to distinguish it from its US counterpart. However, this ignores the fact that events in both Scotland and Ireland contributed to the causes of the war, and that the hostilities went on to impact on the lives of our ancestors across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Even though the monarchy was restored when Charles II took the throne in 1660, the influence of the sovereign was irretrievably diminished. The Civil War also brought about changes in the way that the country was governed, increased the power of Parliament, and led to the creation of a permanent (‘standing’)