Books and Manuscripts

Parliament Abolishes the English Monarchy

An Act for the Abolishing the Kingly Office in England, Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging
London: Printed for Edward Husband, March 19. 1648(/49). Printed broadside, comprising two sheets joined at center, 19 1/2 x 11 3/4 in. (495 x 298 mm). Mounted to board along top edge; left edge repaired; upper half toned; creasing and closed tears (some repaired) in top edge; chipping and wear along bottom edge; repair in upper center vertical fold, affecting some letters; scattered soiling and abrasions. Docketed on verso, old ink stamp on same ("Guildhall Library Duplicate"). USTC 3049066

Passed by Parliament less than three months after the execution of King Charles I, this broadside prints the Act for the Abolishing the Kingly Office which prohibited Charles's sons--and any future descendants--from inheriting or proclaiming the British Crown. The Act declares the monarchy “unnecessary, burthensome and dangerous to the liberty, safety and publique interest of the people”, stating that it was only used “to oppress, and impoverish and enslave the subject.” With the end of the monarchy the Act establishes the Commonwealth--a return to the English people's “just & ancient right, of being governed by its own Representatives or National meetings in Councel…chosen & entrusted for that purpose by the people…"