Charles I (a Presbyterian, r. 1625 – 1649) issues the Patent for Providence Plantations to Robert Rich, Earl of Warwick.  Charles also grants Providence, Portsmouth and Newport

       free and absolute Charter[s] of Incorporation … with full Power and Authority: to rule themselves. … Provided nevertheless, that the said Laws, Constitutions, and Punishments, for the Civil Government of the said Plantations, be conformable to the Laws of England, so far as the Nature and Constitution of the place will admit.

       [added 9/29/2024]