A king beheaded. A monarchy abolished. And a commoner leading a republic by military rule set in their place. The wars that tore through the country in the mid-seventeenth century – splitting government, communities and families alike – were a true watershed in English history. But how, with Queen Elizabeth I’s Golden Age still in living memory, did such a situation arise?

Exploring the period’s political disputes, religious conflicts and military battles, Patrick Little scrutinizes the nature and practicalities of conducting a civil war on English soil, as well as the experiences and motivations of key factions and combatants. By assessing how the realities of life in England shaped the conflict –and were torn apart by it – this wonderfully readable Beginner’s Guide gets to the very heart of how a people came to kill their king.

'This very clear, readable and informative account is now the best starting-point for those coming new to the subject.'

‘Accessible and expertly written…featuring a skilful use of original documents and images to illustrate key topics.’

‘A wonderful introduction…tells an intricate story with amazing clarity.’

Patrick Little is senior research fellow at the History of Parliament Trust. His previous publications include Oliver Cromwell: New Perspectives, Lord Broghill and the Cromwellian Union with Ireland and Scotland and Parliaments and Politics during the Cromwellian Protectorate (co-written with David L. Smith).