As a historian with a keen interest in the constitutional development of the United Kingdom, I find the question of when England stopped being ruled by a king to be a fascinating one. It's a topic that encompasses a variety of historical periods and significant events that have shaped the nation's governance. To begin with, it's important to clarify that the monarchy as an institution has never ceased to exist in England. However, there have been interruptions in the continuous rule by a monarch. The reference to James VI of Scotland inheriting the English throne as James I in 1603 is a pivotal moment in British history. This marked the beginning of the Stuart dynasty's rule over both England and Scotland, leading to personal union between the two kingdoms. The crowns remained separate, but one monarch ruled both. The period from 1649 to 1660, known as the Interregnum, is a key point in the discussion. After the English Civil War, which was part of the broader Wars of the Three Kingdoms, the monarchy was abolished, and England was declared a republic, known as the Commonwealth of England. This was a significant break from the tradition of monarchy, and it was during this time that Oliver Cromwell rose to power as Lord Protector. The execution of King Charles I in 1649 was a dramatic event that symbolized the end of one era and the beginning of another. However, the Commonwealth was not a stable period, and the monarchy was restored in 1660 with the return of Charles II, Charles I's son. This period, known as the Restoration, saw the monarchy reestablish its dominance in English politics, although with significant limitations compared to the pre-Civil War period. The Bill of Rights in 1689 and the Act of Settlement in 1701 further curtailed the power of the monarchy, establishing a constitutional monarchy where the king or queen reigned but did not rule alone. It's also worth noting that the concept of "ruling" has evolved over time. In modern times, the role of the monarch is largely ceremonial, with real political power being exercised by elected officials and parliament. This shift from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy has been a gradual process, with various acts and treaties contributing to the balance of power. In conclusion, while the monarchy as an institution has not ceased to exist in England, there have been periods, such as the Interregnum, where the traditional rule by a monarch was interrupted. The evolution of the monarchy from an absolute to a constitutional form has been a significant part of England's political history, and it continues to be a topic of interest for many. read more >>

From 1603, when the Scottish monarch James VI inherited the English throne as James I, both the English and Scottish kingdoms were ruled by a single sovereign. From 1649 to 1660, the tradition of monarchy was broken by the republican Commonwealth of England, which followed the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.read more >>