Grand Remonstrance, 1641. This lengthy petition was part of Pym's campaign to retain the initiative in his parliamentary struggle against Charles I. It was given added urgency by the news of the Irish catholic revolt. A long indictment of the misdeeds of the reign, attributing them largely to popish advisers, was carried on 18 November by 159 votes to 148. It demanded, on threat of withholding supply, that in future the king should employ such counsellors as Parliament ‘may have cause to confide in’. Charles replied that in the ‘choice of our counsellors … it is the undoubted right of the crown of England to call such persons … as we shall think fit’.

J. A. Cannon

Grand Remonstrance (November 1641) Statement of grievances by the Long Parliament presented to King Charles I in November 1641. It listed numerous objections to the royal government and demanded parliamentary approval of ministers. It was passed in the House of Commons by only 11 votes, and Charles rejected it. It hardened the division between the crown and Parliament, which culminated in the Civil War.