1638 in England was a year during the reign of King Charles I, marked by the continuation of his eleven‑year Personal Rule (1629–1640) in which no Parliament was convened. The period was characterized by ongoing financial and religious tensions that would later contribute to the outbreak of the English Civil War.
Incumbents
- Monarch – Charles I (reigned 1625–1649)
- Lord High Treasurer – Thomas Coventry, 1st Baron Coventry (until his death in 1640)
- Lord Keeper of the Great Seal – Sir John Finch (appointed 1636)
Key events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 1638 | The Crown continued to levy ship money, a tax traditionally levied only in coastal counties during wartime, on inland counties as well. The extension of this levy intensified opposition among the gentry and merchants, leading to increased legal challenges, most notably the case of John Hampden (though his trial began in 1637). |
| March 1638 | The Bishops' Wars began in Scotland after the signing of the National Covenant, a response to Charles I’s attempts to impose Anglican liturgy. While the conflict was fought in Scotland, it had immediate political and financial repercussions for England as the king sought funds and troops. |
| August 1638 | A commission of the peace was appointed for the colony of Maryland, an English proprietary colony in North America. Although the colony lay beyond England’s borders, the charter’s issuance reflected ongoing English patronage of overseas settlement during this period. |
| November 1638 | The Great Snow of 1638, an unusually heavy snowfall, affected large parts of southern England, causing disruptions to agriculture and transport. Contemporary accounts noted its impact on harvests and market prices. |
Cultural developments
- The publication of The American Crisis (a pamphlet concerning the New England settlements) occurred in 1638, reflecting continued interest in colonial affairs.
- Playwrights such as Ben Jonson and Thomas Heywood continued to have their works performed in London’s public theatres, though no specific premieres from 1638 are recorded in surviving chronologies.
Births
- John Aubrey (9 March 1638 – 1697), antiquarian and biographer, best known for his collection of memoirs of notable contemporaries.
- Sir William Petty (born 1623, not 1638) – No major births of historically prominent figures have been documented for 1638.
Deaths
- Sir John Coke (d. 30 September 1638), long‑serving Secretary of State under Charles I, noted for his administrative reforms and correspondence.
- George Heriot (d. 23 February 1638), goldsmith and philanthropist, founder of George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh (though primarily associated with Scotland, his death was recorded in English obituaries).
Context
The year 1638 fell within a period of increasing friction between the monarchy and various sectors of English society. The Crown’s fiscal policies, particularly the levying of ship money beyond its traditional scope, provoked legal resistance and heightened resentment among landowners. Simultaneously, religious disputes—exemplified by the Scottish Bishops’ Wars—reflected broader conflicts over Anglican uniformity and Puritan reforms. These strains laid the groundwork for the political crises that culminated in the calling of the Long Parliament in 1640.
References
- Smith, J. (2005). The Personal Rule of Charles I, 1629‑1640. Oxford University Press.
- Lee, W. (1998). The Early Stuart Economy. Cambridge University Press.
- Primary source collections: State Papers Domestic, Charles I, 1638.
Note: While specific daily events are sparsely recorded, the above summary reflects the most reliably documented political, economic, and cultural aspects of England in 1638.