ABSTRACT
The Engagement hammered out between Charles and the Scotscommissioners ran into trouble almost as soon as it had been buried on the Isle of Wight. The Committee of Estates accepted it, but took the precaution of delaying its implementation until parliament met on 2 March. Before that date vociferous voices were raised against the treaty. The Kirk pronounced the king’s religious concessions inadequate, and threw its weight behind a peace movement spearheaded by women in Edinburgh and Leith ‘who carry a great sway, especially at home, do cry for peace, and say their husbands shall not fight’.1
