# National Covenant is signed (1638)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1638-national-covenant-is-signed
Categories: main-event

Thousands of Scots pledged to defend Presbyterian religion against royal innovations. Within the broader Stuarts & Revolutions period, the shared monarchy of England, Scotland and Ireland produced conflicts over religion, taxation and sovereignty that culminated in civil war, revolution and union. This event is placed at 1638 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. The Covenant created a powerful organized resistance movement with military and political consequences.

## Why it matters
The Covenant created a powerful organized resistance movement with military and political consequences.

Ruler at the time: [Charles I](https://english-history.com/rulers/charles-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — National Covenant is signed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=National+Covenant+is+signed&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — National Covenant is signed](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=National+Covenant+is+signed)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281600%E2%80%931699%29)
- [UK Parliament — Living Heritage](https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/)