Strafford, Thomas Wentworth, earl of, 1593-1641

The complex political career of Thomas Wentworth Strafford began in Parliament, where he opposed war with Spain. After losing influence, he realigned himself in support of King Charles I, and was made baron and viscount and ultimately Lord Deputy of Ireland. His success in Ireland was marred by ruthless methods, contributing to his lack of popularity among his peers. Recalled by Charles as an advisor in the war with Scotland, Strafford was accused of treason and beheaded on 12 May 1641, with Charles' reluctant approval.

English statesman.

Leading adviser of Englands King Charles I. His attempt to consolidate the sovereign power of the king led to his impeachment and execution by Parliament.

Viscount Wentworth, a supporter of royal prerogative, became lord-deputy of IRELAND in 1632. He was a firm ruler, instituting economic and political reforms, and making enemies. In 1640 he became the King's chief advisor, and was created Earl of Strafford; he planned to bring the Irish army against the Scots, encouraged despotic actions, and was a threat to Commons. On November 11 1640 Commons resolved to accuse him of high treason, and on November 20 produced 10 articles of accusation; on January 28, 1641 the committee handling the affair produced a revised, 28-article, version, and sent it to the Lords as the basis of a charge of impeachment to be brought by Commons in the Lords against Strafford. On February 23 Strafford gave his answer to each article to the Lords, which returned the answers to Commons.

On March 22, 1641 the trial began in the Lords (Commons attending as a committee of the whole); on April 21 the trial was broken off because of dissension between the Lords and the Commons. Commons thereupon passed a Bill of Attainder against Strafford, which the Lords passed on May 8; the King assented under pressure on May 10; Strafford was executed on May 11. [Based on Rushworth's Trial of Stafford, 1680; State Trials, 1776, vol.1 cols 723-753; DNB; Journals of Commons and Lords]

Viscount Wentworth, a supporter of royal prerogative, became lord-deputy of Ireland in 1632. He was a firm ruler, instituting economic and political reforms, and making enemies. In 1640 he became the King's chief advisor, and was created Earl of Strafford; he planned to bring the Irish army against the Scots, encouraged despotic actions, and was a threat to Commons. On November 11 1640 Commons resolved to accuse him of high treason, and on November 20 produced 10 articles of accusation; on January 28, 1641 the committee handling the affair produced a revised, 28-article, version, and sent it to the Lords as the basis of a charge of impeachment to be brought by Commons in the Lords against Strafford. On February 23 Strafford gave his answer to each article to the Lords, which returned the answers to Commons.

On March 22, 1641 the trial began in the Lords (Commons attending as a committee of the whole); on April 21 the trial was broken off because of dissension between the Lords and the Commons. Commons thereupon passed a Bill of Attainder against Strafford, which the Lords passed on May 8; the King assented under pressure on May 10; Strafford was executed on May 11.