Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that in
the period from 1681 to 1685 Charles II ruled as an absolute monarch.
Source A: The Sheriff of Bristol writes to the Secretary of State.
That the corporation [of Bristol] have forfeited their charter is apparent from the following particulars:
1. By the charter and former practice, the Common Council was chosen yearly by the Mayor and Sheriffs, afterwards by the Mayor and two Aldermen, but now it is run into a practice that once a Common Councilman and ever so and the members are chosen by the majority of the Council.
2. The Common Council ought by the charter to be 43 but ever since 1660 the Council have exceeded 43 and are 53.
3. The Aldermen ought to be chosen out of those who have been Mayor, but this has not been done of late.
4. The jail delivery ought to be held once a year. This has been late frequently neglected.
Sir John Knight, letter to the Secretary of State, 1682
Source B: A Tory MP recalls a conversation about the calling of a parliament.
My Lord Privy Seale told me he had been very earnest with the King for a Parliament, but to no purpose; that he had used for arguments that though he had slipped his opportunity of calling one soon after the last plot, that if he feared not to have a good one now, the longer it was deferred the worst it would be, until at the last it might be made an argument never to call one at all; that nothing ought to be so dear to him as to keep his word with his people; that the law required a Parliament to be called every three years, his majesty had promised upon the last dissolution to observe the laws.
Sir John Reresby, Memoirs, 1684
Source C: A member of the government relates the action taken following the discovery of a conventicle.
The king being given to understand that a dangerous conventicle continues to be kept at Oldbury, about four miles from Birmingham and that several hundreds resort there, many of whom are armed, has ordered two troops of dragoons to be quartered in the neighbourhood to be assistant in suppressing the said dangerous meeting and apprehending the offenders, whom he would have proceeded against with all severity according to the law.
Earl of Sunderland, letter to Sir Charles Holt, 1684
Source D: A Whig Bishop describes proceedings in London.
The first thing that the King did, after he had appointed judges, was to send a new message to the city of London, requiring the Common Council to deliver up their charter; but, upon their refusal, he ordered the judgement to be entered, seized on their liberties, turned out the aldermen and other officers, put others in their places, and for some time let them continue a city without a charter or Common Council.
Gilbert Burnet, History of His Own Time
[30]
Answer
