Uxbridge, treaty of

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Uxbridge, treaty of, 1645. The so-called treaty of Uxbridge was in fact an abortive negotiation. The fluctuating fortunes of war in 1644 persuaded Parliament to propose an armistice for discussion. Commissioners met at Uxbridge on 29 January to negotiate on three main issues—the church, the militia, and Ireland. On none of these points was any progress made. Charles refused to abandon episcopacy or take the covenant; to hand over control of the militia; or to allow Ireland to be subdued by parliamentary forces. Nor would he abandon supporters like Rupert, whom Parliament refused to include in a general pardon. The negotiation was abandoned on 22 February. The last chance of ending the war by compromise had gone.

J. A. Cannon

The Oxford Companion to British History