BattlefieldsCovenanting force secures Glasgow 1638
English Civil War

Covenanting force secures Glasgow 1638

1638
Lanarkshire, Scotland
Also known as: Covenanting movement seizes Glasgow 1638 · Glasgow General Assembly confrontation 1638
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Lanarkshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists
VS
Victor
Covenanters
Outcome
After the signing of the National Covenant, Covenanting forces ensured Glasgow was in friendly hands for the General Assembly; the Marquess of Hamilton was unable to prevent the Assembly dissolving episcopacy
The Battle

History & Significance

The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland that met in Glasgow Cathedral in November-December 1638 was the pivotal event of the Scottish Revolution. Covenanting forces controlled the city to ensure the Assembly could proceed against royal wishes. Hamilton — Charles I's commissioner — tried to dissolve it; the Assembly ignored him and continued. It abolished episcopacy in Scotland. The Assembly was backed by the Covenanting army beginning to form across the Lowlands — making it impossible for Charles I to reverse the decision without military force.

Forces Involved

Covenanting controlled armed escort; royal commissioner Hamilton

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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