The First English Civil War breaks out in 1642, largely as a result of an ongoing series of conflicts between James' son, Charles I, and Parliament.

The defeat of the Royalist army by the New Model Army of Parliament at the Battle of Naseby in June 1645 effectively destroys the king's forces.

Charles surrenders to the Scottish army at Newark.

He is eventually handed over to the English Parliament in early 1647.

He escapes, and the Second English Civil War begins, although it is a short conflict, with the New Model Army quickly securing the country.

The capture and subsequent trial of Charles leads to his beheading in January 1649 at Whitehall Gate in London, making England a republic.

The trial and execution of Charles by his own subjects shocks the rest of Europe (the king had argued to the end that only God could judge him) and is a precursor of sorts to the beheading of Louis XVI one hundred and forty-five years later.

The New Model Army, under the command of Oliver Cromwell, now scores decisive victories against Royalist armies in Ireland and Scotland.

Cromwell is given the title Lord Protector in 1653, making him 'king in all but name' to his critics.

After he dies in 1658, his son Richard Cromwell succeeds him in the office but he is forced to abdicate within a year.

For a while it looks as if a new civil war will begin as the New Model Army splits into factions.

Troops stationed in Scotland under the command of George Monck eventually march on London to restore order.