Meaning: The quote "After that his Majesty was beheaded, the Parliament for some years effected nothing either for the publick peace or tranquillity of the nation, or settling religion as they had formerly promised" by William Lilly, a 17th-century English astrologer, reflects the tumultuous and uncertain period of English history during and after the English Civil War. This quote refers to the aftermath of King Charles I's execution and the subsequent period of political instability and social unrest in England.

During the 17th century, England experienced a series of political and religious conflicts that culminated in the English Civil War. The war was fought between the Royalists, who supported the monarchy and the Church of England, and the Parliamentarians, who sought to limit the king's power and promote religious reform. The execution of King Charles I in 1649 marked a significant turning point in English history, as it symbolized the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell.

The quote suggests that the beheading of King Charles I did not lead to the promised peace, tranquility, and religious settlement that the Parliamentarians had anticipated. Instead, the period following the king's execution was marked by continued political upheaval and uncertainty. The Parliament, which had gained power following the Civil War, struggled to effectively govern the nation and fulfill its promises to the people.

William Lilly, the author of the quote, was a prominent figure in 17th-century England known for his astrological predictions and writings on political events. His work often reflected the social and political climate of the time, and his observations on the failures of the Parliament to bring stability and religious settlement resonate with the challenges and disappointments of the post-Civil War era.

The quote also alludes to the Parliament's inability to deliver on its pledges to address the religious divisions that had fueled much of the conflict during the Civil War. The Parliamentarians had promised to establish a religious settlement that would satisfy the various factions within the country, but in the years following the king's execution, religious tensions and disagreements persisted.

In the context of 17th-century England, this quote encapsulates the disillusionment and frustration that many people felt as they witnessed the failure of the political leadership to bring about the promised stability and religious harmony. The period following the execution of King Charles I was marked by continued political turmoil, power struggles, and social unrest, making it a challenging and uncertain time for the nation.

In conclusion, the quote by William Lilly captures the sense of disappointment and disillusionment that characterized the aftermath of King Charles I's beheading and the subsequent period of instability in England. It reflects the challenges faced by the Parliament in delivering on its promises of peace, tranquility, and religious settlement, and it sheds light on the complex and turbulent nature of English history during this pivotal period.