Tender of Union facts for kids
The Tender of Union was a big plan from the Parliament of England during a time called the Interregnum. This was after a series of wars known as the War of the Three Kingdoms. The plan said that Scotland would no longer have its own parliament. Instead, Scotland would join England in its new republic, called the Commonwealth of England.
England's parliament first announced this plan on 28 October 1651. After a few steps, a final Act of Union was passed on 26 June 1657. The Tender of Union was officially announced in Scotland on 4 February 1652. This made England's control over Scotland official, after the Third English Civil War.
Under this plan, Scotland's Parliament was permanently closed down. Scotland was given 30 seats in the English Parliament in Westminster. However, this act, like all laws made during the Interregnum, was later cancelled. This happened when the king, Charles II, returned to power during the Restoration.
The Idea and How People Reacted
On 28 October 1651, the English Parliament made a statement. It said that "Scotland shall, and may be incorporated into, and become one Common-wealth with this England". This meant Scotland should become one country with England.
Eight English officials were chosen to help make this happen. These included important people like Oliver St John and General George Monck. These officials traveled to Scotland. On 4 February 1652, they announced the Tender of Union at the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh.
By 30 April 1652, representatives from Scottish areas and towns had agreed to the plan. They even took an oath that Scotland and England would become one Commonwealth. A law to make Scotland part of England was started in the English Parliament. But it took a while to pass.
The Law is Passed
On 12 April 1654, a new rule was made by Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. He was the leader of England at the time. This rule was called the Ordinance for uniting Scotland into one Commonwealth with England. General George Monck, who was in charge of the army in Scotland, announced it there.
This rule did not become a full Act of Union until later. It was finally approved by the Second Protectorate Parliament on 26 June 1657.
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