why was there a civil war in england in 1642
The English Civil War (1642 -- 1651) was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians ("Roundheads") and Royalists ("Cavaliers") over, principally, the manner of England's government. The first (1642 -- 1646) and second (1648 -- 1649) wars pitted the supporters of King Charles I against the supporters of the Long Parliament, while the third (1649 -- 1651) saw fighting between supporters of King Charles II and supporters of the Rump Parliament. The war ended with the Parliamentarian victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651.