Militia Ordinance facts for kids
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| Long title | An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament for the safety and defence of the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales |
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| Citation | [L.J., iv., 625.] |
| Introduced by | Sir Arthur Haselrige |
| Territorial extent | Kingdom of England |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | Withheld |
| Commencement | 15 March 1642 |
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Status: Not passed
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The Militia Ordinance was an important document passed by the Parliament of England on 15 March 1642. It was a big step that led to the start of the First English Civil War in August of that year. This ordinance was special because Parliament claimed it could choose military leaders without the king's permission.
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What Was the Militia Ordinance?
The Militia Ordinance was like a new rule or law. It gave Parliament the power to control the army. Before this, the king usually had this power. This change was a huge deal. It showed that Parliament wanted more control.
Why Was an Army Needed?
In 1641, there was a big rebellion in Ireland. Many people in England wanted to raise an army to stop it. Everyone agreed an army was needed. But there was a problem.
King vs. Parliament
Relations between King Charles I and Parliament were getting worse. Neither side trusted the other. They worried that any new army might be used against them. The king feared Parliament would use it against him. Parliament feared the king would use it against them.
Who Controlled the Army?
At that time, England's main army was called the trained bands. These were like local militias in each county. They were controlled by people called lord lieutenants. The king chose these lord lieutenants. So, the king had control over the army.
Parliament's New Idea
In December 1641, a man named Sir Arthur Haselrige suggested a new bill. This bill would let Parliament choose the army's commanders. This meant the king would no longer have that power. The House of Commons quickly approved this bill.
How the Ordinance Became Law
After some disagreements, King Charles I left London. He went north to York. Many members of Parliament who supported the king joined him there. This left Parliament in London with more members who disagreed with the king.
Parliament Takes Action
With more power, the House of Lords approved the bill on 5 March 1642. They also said that approving it was not breaking any promises to the king. The bill then went back to the House of Commons for final approval.
The King's Refusal
After the Commons approved it, the bill needed the king's royal assent. This is like the king's signature. Without it, a bill cannot become a proper law. But King Charles I refused to sign it.
Parliament's Bold Move
On 15 March 1642, Parliament made a very bold statement. They said that "the People are bound by the Ordinance for the Militia, though it has not received the Royal Assent". This meant they believed their new rule was law, even without the king's approval. This was a huge claim of power by Parliament.
What Happened Next?
King Charles I tried to respond to Parliament's move. He issued his own orders called Commissions of Array. These were his way of trying to raise an army. But they didn't have much real effect.
Parliament continued to pass and enforce its own rules. They did this throughout the 1640s. Many of these rules were later cancelled after the English Restoration in 1660. This was when the king's power was brought back.
