Denzil Holles Biography and Timeline

Election to Short Parliament

Holles is returned for Dorchester when Parliament meets in April.

Short Parliament Opposition

Holles participates in opposition to unconditional subsidies during the Short Parliament.

Support for Triennial Act

Holles votes for the measure preventing another prolonged period of personal rule.

Strafford Trial Manager

Holles participates in the Commons management of proceedings against Strafford.

Continuance Act Support

Holles supports the measure securing the Long Parliament's institutional survival.

High Commission Abolition Supported

Holles supports legislation ending the ecclesiastical High Commission.

Knighthood Fines Restricted

Holles supports legislation limiting coercive fines for refusing knighthood.

Military Appointments Debate

Holles backs parliamentary influence over commanders chosen for the Irish campaign.

Grand Remonstrance Support

Holles votes with the parliamentary majority for the Remonstrance.

Accusation of High Treason

Charles I accuses Denzil Holles and other parliamentary leaders of high treason.

Named in Treason Accusation

Holles is included among the Commons members accused by Charles.

Accusation of High Treason

Charles accuses Holles and the other parliamentary leaders of high treason.

Escape from Royal Arrest

Holles leaves Westminster before the King arrives to arrest him.

Attempted Arrest of Five Members

Holles is one of the five Commons members sought by Charles I during the failed arrest attempt at Westminster.

Role range: 1642-1649

Militia Negotiations

Holles seeks support in the Lords for parliamentary control of the militia.

Committee of Safety Membership

Holles receives appointment to Parliament's wartime executive committee.

Role range: 1642-1649

Battle of Brentford

Holles's regiment helps defend Brentford before being overwhelmed by the Royalist attack.

Role range: 1642-1649

Defence of Brentford

Holles's regiment resists the Royalist assault before withdrawing toward London.

Role range: 1642-1649

Raising of Infantry Regiment

Holles raises an infantry regiment for Parliament and becomes an active military supporter during the opening campaign.

Role range: 1642-1649

Peace Negotiations

Holles supports efforts to negotiate with the King at Oxford as a leading figure among Parliament's peace-minded members.

Role range: 1642-1649

Alliance Parliament and Scotland

Appointed to to co-ordinate the war with between Parliamentary & Scotish Allies

Role range: 1642-1649

Committee of Both Kingdoms

Appointed Member of Committee of Both Kingdoms

Role range: 1642-1649

Committee of Both Kingdoms

Appointed Member of Committee of Both Kingdoms

Convention Parliament

Holles supports the Commons vote welcoming Charles II's Declaration of Breda.

Role range: 1599-1680

Restoration Settlement

Holles supports the Convention Parliament's move toward restoring monarchy under negotiated terms.

Role range: 1599-1680

Privy Council

Holles is appointed to the Privy Council during the early Restoration settlement.

Role range: 1661-1680

Ambassador

Appointed English ambassador to France during Charles II's Restoration diplomacy.

Role range: 1663-1666

Breda Peace Negotiations

Holles represented Charles II in negotiations with Dutch, French, and Danish envoys.

Role range: 1665-1667 – 1599-1680