Editor says, what if Queen Elizabeth had died at the outset of the Essex Rebellion? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the February 2011 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.

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Editor says, in this post we explore an idea from guest historian Richard Roper who explains ~ this point of divergence would turn history on its head, with Oliver Cromwell putting Charles in power; there would be no Laudian High Churchism which started the English Civil War and Charles coming from Scotland is a Presbyterian even if for political reasons and abolishes the English bishops once in power. The Church of England becomes Presbertyrian (without bishops) and identical to the Church of Scotland. Someone living in this Time Line would find ours incredible.

Eric Oppen commented on 2012-02-12 05:15:03 ~ In this TL, Cromwell might be remembered as the monarchy's savior. I don't know if there was enough anti-episcopal feeling in England itself to make the abolition of the office of bishop stand, though.

Eric Lipps commented on 2012-02-21 12:07:27 ~ It's "Calvinistic." Fixed - thanks. Ed Apart from that, I share Eric Oppen's skepticism about the outright abolition of the bishopric. More likely, I think, would be an edict forcing the bishops to swear allegiance first and foremost to the Crown, making the Anglican Church firmly subservient to the secular government while appearing, at least at first, to preserve its privileges.

Jeff Provine commented on 2012-02-21 16:46:28 ~ James must've been quite Protestant in this TL. Seems Cromwell was all right with his Divine Rule arguments that way.