The Nineteen Propositions, 1642

The Nineteen Propositions was a set of proposals sent from the Lords and Commons to King Charles in June 1642 after the King had left London and set up his court at York.

The Propositions were confrontational and uncompromising in tone:

Although moderate Parliamentarians regarded the Propositions as a basis for further discussion with the King, others regarded them as an ultimatum. Not unexpectedly, they were firmly rejected. The King's Answer was published on 18 June. It declared that Parliament's proposals threatened the ancient constitution of the kingdom. If the King agreed to them, he would effectively be deposing himself and his posterity.

After the rejection of the Nineteen Propositions, both sides began openly preparing for an armed confrontation.


C.V. Wedgwood, The King's War (London 1958)


Full text of the Nineteen Propositions

Excerpt from the King's Answer