Early Stuart England

1627

The Duke of Buckingham exploits the burgeoning news industry to promote his military expedition to the Isle of Rhe in France.  But despite the positive spin in the press, victory proves elusive.

1626-1627

Charles implements his "new counsels" and raises money outside of parliament.  Within the Privy Council, a debate rages over whether this is a war-time emergency or the new normal.

1626

Without any parliamentary subsidies, England is forced to sit on the sidelines during the campaigning season of 1626.  However, Buckingham and Charles are active on the diplomatic front, as an attempted coup in France presents an opportunity.

Summer 1626

After a disastrous parliament, Charles forges an alliance with the ceremonial, anti-Calvinist wing of the Church.  His hope is that a more orderly Church will create a more orderly society.

Spring 1626

New accusations against Buckingham raise the stakes at Westminster.  Charles is faced with either saving his chief minister, or securing funding for his war.

Spring 1626

After a disastrous first 11 months of his reign, Charles opens his second parliament.  As he prepares to swallow his pride and ask parliament for money to continue the war, a group sets their sights on the Duke of Buckingham as the price of co-operation.

Winter 1626

Across the kingdom elections to the House of Commons mark the beginning of a new parliament.  Charles and Buckingham do their best to ensure government friendly representatives are selected from England's counties and boroughs.  But other figures also carry weight in elections, particularly the Earl of Pembroke - an influential Calvinist with ambiguous loyalties to the government.

Winter 1626

The Calvinist members of the Patriot Coalition give Charles and Buckingham one last chance to prove their dedication to the Protestant cause as a new session of parliament begins.  At York House, the Duke of Buckingham hosts an informal conference to determine whether Arminianism will be tolerated in the English Church.

Fall 1625

Delayed and underfunded due to the failed parliament, an English fleet sets sail for Cadiz.  Their goal is to either raid the port, or capture the American treasure fleet before it can land.  However, the expedition suffers from a lack of provisions and (after two decades of peace) inexperience.

Summer 1625

The Charles and Buckingham partnership take control of the kingdom after the death of James.  However, their popular war program runs into problems in Charles' first parliament as the pair discovers that ruling is not as easy as it looks.