During the early 1600's, there was much a political struggle and unsettled religious issues in England. These struggles led to a civil war between Cavaliers, or Royalists, who were mainly Anglicans, and Roundheads, or parliamentarians, who were Puritans. They were a powerful group of opponents within the church. They wanted to church to be "purified" of remaining Catholic rituals and symbols.

In 1603, Queen Elizabeth 1 dies after ruling for 45 years. Because Elizabeth died childless, James I, the son of Elizabeth's cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, became king in 1603. James was the king of Scotland when he assumed the English throne.

When James had become king, the Puritans presented him with a petition asking for the reforms to be made in the Church of England. Not only did James reject the suggestion changes, he warned the Puritans that if they did not conform to the Church of England, he would...