Meeting on Heworth Moor facts for kids
The great meeting on Heworth Moor happened just outside York on June 3, 1642. This important gathering played a big part in the events leading up to the English Civil War. King Charles I called together the important lords and gentlemen of Yorkshire. He wanted their support in his disagreements with Parliament. At the meeting, Lord Fairfax presented a request from Parliament. He asked King Charles to listen to Parliament and to stop gathering his army.
Leading Up to the War
In the summer of 1642, both Parliament and King Charles I were talking to each other. But they were also getting ready for a war.
Before the English Civil War began, the King left London. He wanted to avoid Parliament's demands. Parliament wanted to control the army and have other powers that challenged the King. King Charles went to York, and the people there welcomed him warmly.
He sent a message to Parliament. Then he went to Hull to get weapons stored there. These weapons were left over from an army used against the Scots in the Bishops War. But Sir John Hotham, who was in charge for Parliament, would not let the King into Hull. So, King Charles went back to York.
Soon after, Parliament sent a group to York. Their job was to gain support for Parliament and watch the King. When Parliament decided to create its own army, the King told his friends to meet him in York. He also ordered courts to move there.
The Lord-Keeper Lyttelton was told by Parliament not to issue official papers. He seemed to obey. But at the first chance, he escaped to York. He brought the Great Seal with him and joined the King. Parliament was very angry with him for this.
The Big Meeting
On May 27, 1642, the King announced a public meeting. It was for the nobles and gentlemen of the area. The meeting was set for June 3 at Heworth Moor.
Thousands of people came to this meeting. When King Charles arrived, he was with his son, Prince Charles. He also had 150 knights in full armor and 800 soldiers. The crowd cheered loudly, showing their loyalty. The King gave a short speech. He explained his situation and thanked them for their support.
However, not everyone at the meeting supported the King. Lord Fairfax was asked by Parliament to give a petition to the King. This petition asked King Charles to listen to Parliament. It also asked him to stop gathering troops. This happened at the large meeting of landowners and farmers from Yorkshire.
King Charles tried to avoid taking the petition. He rode his horse forward. But Thomas Fairfax followed him. He placed the petition right on the front of the King's saddle.
What Happened Next
After the meeting on Heworth Moor, it was clear that people in Yorkshire had different opinions. So, a local peace agreement was made for Yorkshire. It was called the Treaty of Neutrality. Lord Fairfax signed it for Parliament. Henry Belasyse signed it for the King's supporters. This happened on September 29, 1642. But within days, Parliament in London rejected the treaty. Both sides in Yorkshire then started fighting.
After the meeting, King Charles went back to York. He stayed there for more than five months. During this time, all attempts to negotiate failed. Then, on August 22, 1642, he moved to Nottingham. There, he officially raised his royal standard, which was a sign that war had begun.
From Nottingham, his army marched towards London. They met Parliament's army at the Battle of Edgehill on October 23, 1642. This was the first major battle of the First English Civil War.
