"I, Charles the First..." Topic

…have defeated the Parliamentarian rebels and scoundrels in the year of our lord 1646.* When the going got tough, the scum quit. Now what? How shall I cement my rule moving forward?

Your beloved King,

Chuck

*I played out the ECW campaign in computer game Pike and Shot by Slitherine Strategies. This is an upgrade from the version that came out last year in that there are 4 playable campaign games including the English Civil War. The defeat came when Scotland fell and the Parliamentarians sued for peace in 1646. They held only 2 territories. Very fun game and I highly recommend it for anyone who has an interest in Renaissance combat. Currently, the game covers early warfare from Italian Wars through the 9 years war and the League of Augsburg. The question came to me after I won of course. How would England and the British isles have changed? What would Charles have done to solidify his hold?

A lot of hangings.

You should cement your rule by promoting some form of religious tolerance which specifically excludes Catholics, ratifying some degree of regular parliamentary sitting and hanging a few of the core ringleaders followed by a general pardon.

An Inquisition, secret trials, extraterritorial prisons, and some absolutely adorable little dogs:

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Nice one!

I guess domestically the right thing would be to make a few examples then let bygones be bygones (as 1660) but being, frankly, a right Charlie Your majesty, I doubt that's what would have happened.

Next military step is to re-conquer Ireland, this will actually make Your Majesty very popular with the more Puritan-inclined and give your troops (and POWs) something useful to do so they don't make too much trouble at home.

When that's done (don't expect it to be too quick) traditional options are fighting the Spanish or French, picking up some useful colonies eg in the Caribbean, perhaps taking on the Dutch at sea and allying with Portugal to annoy Spain.

Cut your own head off.

An Inquisition, secret trials, extraterritorial prisons, and some absolutely adorable little dogs:

I was going to dismiss the dog idea out of hand but they are just so darned cute! I guess you would call it "Shock and aaaawwwwwwwwwww."

I guess domestically the right thing would be to make a few examples then let bygones be bygones (as 1660) but being, frankly, a right Charlie Your majesty, I doubt that's what would have happened.

That's the spirit!

Next military step is to re-conquer Ireland, this will actually make Your Majesty very popular with the more Puritan-inclined and give your troops (and POWs) something useful to do so they don't make too much trouble at home.

That Oliver fella was pretty rough on the Irish in his campaigns, sacking towns that resisted and so forth. I should probably just wall them off and wait 'til the give up right? I'm just kidding! I'll sack them in the same grand tradition. The only difference is I will sack EVERY town that resists…English, Scottish or Irish!

When that's done (don't expect it to be too quick) traditional options are fighting the Spanish or French, picking up some useful colonies eg in the Caribbean, perhaps taking on the Dutch at sea and allying with Portugal to annoy Spain.

I suppose we could make some treaties with my dear Nephew in Paris. That way we could make Dunkirk actually be of value! of course we can still beat up the Spanish. Hopefully, Louis will turn a blind eye if we give him a share of the spoils.

Cut your own head off.

I prefer to keep my head prominently between my two shoulders thank you very much! It's not like it would actually ever happen you know!

Those rebellious Scots are still at the back door Charlie boy!