Extract 2: Enrolment of the Declaration of the 12 February of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons [the ‘Declaration of Rights’], with the king’s answer. Catalogue ref: C 212/18/1
This document is the Declaration of Rights, also known as the Bill of Rights, which was created by the English Parliament in February 1689. It established the rights of the English citizens and the responsibilities of the monarchy.
The Ecclesiastical Commission was an English court of enquiry set up by James II in July 1686. It was given jurisdiction over the governance of the Church of England and allowed to try offences punishable under church law. It was designed to remove any opposition to James II’s religious policy favouring a return to Catholicism.
Transcript
And illegal and cruel punishments inflicted.
And several grants and promises made of fines and forfeitures before any conviction or judgment against the persons upon whom the same were to be levied.
All which are utterly and directly contrary to the known laws and statutes and freedom of this realm.
And whereas the said late King James the Second having abdicated the government and the throne being thereby vacant, his Highness the Prince of Orange (whom it hath pleased Almighty God to make the glorious instrument of delivering this kingdom from popery and arbitrary [unrestrained] power) did (by the advice of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and divers principal persons of the Commons) cause letters to be written to the Lords Spiritual and Temporal being Protestants, and other letters to the several counties, cities, universities, boroughs and cinque ports, for the choosing of such persons to represent them as were of right to be sent to Parliament, to meet and sit at Westminster upon the two and twentieth day of January in this year one thousand six hundred eighty and eight [old style date], in order to such an establishment as that their religion, laws and liberties might not again be in danger of being subverted, upon which letters elections having been accordingly made.
And thereupon the said Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons, pursuant [following] to their respective letters and elections, being now assembled in a full and free representative of this nation, taking into their most serious consideration the best means for attaining the ends aforesaid, do in the first place (as their ancestors in like case have usually done) for the vindicating and asserting their ancient rights and liberties declare
That the pretended [false] power of suspending the laws or the execution of laws by regal authority without consent of Parliament is illegal.
- In your opinion, what are the three most important reasons given for James II’s overthrow?
- The document states: ‘he said late King James the Second having abdicated the government and the throne being thereby vacant’. Is this accurate? Why might the word ‘abdicated’ be used here?
- How is the monarchy’s power limited through this bill?
- In what ways does this bill protect the rights of English citizens?
- What role does religion play in this bill?
- How does the document represent a compromise between king and parliament?
- What challenges does this document present to researchers being a fragile, parchment roll?
- What measures can be put in place to protect this document?