The Execution of Charles I: Killing a King

Summary

This script recounts the tragic tale of Charles I, the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, executed in 1649. Born into the belief of divine right, Charles faced religious divides and political strife, leading to civil war. His refusal to compromise and the eventual trial by the Rump Parliament sealed his fate. The narrative explores the tension between absolute monarchy and parliamentary power, culminating in the unprecedented execution of a king.

Takeaways

• 👑 Charles I was executed on 30 January 1649, marking the unprecedented killing of a king in England.
• 🏰 Charles was not initially expected to be king but became the first in line after his elder brother's death.
• 💍 He married the Catholic Henrietta Maria of France, causing religious tensions in a divided country.
• 🛡️ Charles and his father James VI believed in the divine right of kings, asserting their authority above common laws.
• 🗳️ Charles disbanded Parliament multiple times, ruling alone for 11 years until financial strain from foreign wars forced him to recall it.
• 🔄 The country was divided between Royalists and Parliamentarians, leading to a bloody civil war that lasted five years.
• 🛡️ Oliver Cromwell emerged as a key figure, leading to a turning point with the defeat of the King's forces at the Battle of Naseby.
• 🏰 Charles was captured and tried by the Rump Parliament, which voted to place him on trial despite widespread opposition.
• 🎩 At his trial, Charles refused to recognize the court's authority, maintaining his belief in the divine right of kings.
• ✍️ Before his execution, Charles wrote letters to his children, advising them on kingship and loyalty.
• ⚔️ His execution was carried out with a sense of decorum, and Charles' last words reflected his belief in an incorruptible crown beyond earthly disturbances.

Q & A

Why was the execution of Charles I considered unprecedented?

The execution of Charles I was unprecedented because it was the first time in history that a reigning monarch in England had been tried and executed.

What was the significance of Charles I's belief in the divine right of kings?

The belief in the divine right of kings meant that Charles I believed he was appointed by God and was not accountable to the laws or authority of common men, which led to conflicts with Parliament.

What was the role of religion in the conflicts during Charles I's reign?

Religion played a significant role in the conflicts during Charles I's reign, as the country was divided between Protestants and Catholics, and Charles's marriage to a Catholic queen further exacerbated tensions.

Why did Charles I disband Parliament multiple times during his reign?

Charles I disbanded Parliament multiple times due to disagreements and conflicts with the members, particularly over issues of governance and finances, culminating in an 11-year period without Parliament.

Who was Oliver Cromwell, and how did he impact the English Civil War?

Oliver Cromwell was a key figure in the English Civil War, leading the Parliamentary forces to victory at the Battle of Naseby, which marked a turning point against the Royalists and contributed to the eventual defeat of Charles I.

What was the significance of the Battle of Naseby in the English Civil War?

The Battle of Naseby was a decisive victory for the Parliamentary forces led by Oliver Cromwell, which weakened the Royalist cause and was a significant factor leading to the end of the war.

How did Charles I's relationship with his children reflect his personal character?

Charles I's relationship with his children showed a loving and caring side of his character, as he was known to play with them and keep track of their growth, indicating a softer, familial aspect to his personality.

What was the Rump Parliament, and what role did it play in the trial of Charles I?

The Rump Parliament referred to the remaining members of Parliament after those who opposed the trial of the king were removed. It was this group of MPs who voted to try Charles I and ultimately found him guilty.

What was the significance of Charles I's attire during his trial and execution?

Charles I's attire during his trial and execution was significant as it symbolized his status and beliefs. He wore a fine black velvet suit and kept his hat on to assert his authority, despite the circumstances.

What were the final words of Charles I before his execution?

Charles I's final words were 'I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible crown, where no disturbance can be,' expressing his belief in the divine right of kings and his acceptance of his fate.

What was the historical context and outcome of Charles I's execution?

The execution of Charles I occurred amidst a period of political and religious turmoil, leading to the end of the English monarchy for a time and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

Outlines

00:00

👑 The Downfall of King Charles I

This paragraph sets the stage for the tragic end of King Charles I, who was executed on 30 January 1649. It delves into the political and religious turmoil that marked his reign, including his belief in the divine right of kings, which made him feel unaccountable to the laws of common men. The script also touches upon his marriage to the Catholic Henrietta Maria, which further divided his Protestant country. The paragraph outlines the early challenges Charles faced, including his unexpected ascension to the throne and the subsequent conflicts with Parliament, rooted in their disagreements over religious reforms and the king's authority.

05:05

🛡️ The Struggle for Power and the Outbreak of Civil War

The second paragraph details the escalating conflict between King Charles I and Parliament, which led to the disbandment of Parliament by the king and his subsequent rule without it for 11 years. It describes Charles' personal life as a loving husband and father, in contrast to the political strife he faced. The paragraph also covers the financial strain caused by foreign wars, which forced Charles to recall Parliament. The disagreements between the king's supporters (Royalists) and those of Parliament (Parliamentarians) intensified, culminating in the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642. The war, which lasted five years and resulted in a significant loss of life, saw initial victories for the Royalists, but the tide turned with the rise of Oliver Cromwell and the Battle of Naseby, leading to Charles' capture and imprisonment.

10:07

⚔️ The Trial and Execution of a King

The final paragraph recounts the trial and execution of King Charles I, an unprecedented event in English history. It describes the king's defiance during his trial, where he refused to recognize the court's authority and was ultimately found guilty. The paragraph paints a poignant picture of Charles' last days, including his emotional farewell to his children, his advice to his eldest son, and his final moments before execution. It also highlights the king's unwavering belief in the divine right of kings, which contributed to his refusal to compromise and ultimately led to his demise. The paragraph ends with a reflection on whether Charles was solely responsible for the tragic outcome or if the conflict between him and Parliament was destined to end in such a manner.

Keywords

💡Divine Right of Kings

The divine right of kings is the belief that monarchs derive their right to rule directly from the will of God, as opposed to any earthly power. In the context of the video, this concept is central to understanding Charles I's perspective on his authority, as he believed he was not accountable to the laws of common men. This belief led to conflicts with Parliament, who disagreed with his absolute power.

💡Parliament

Parliament, in this video, refers to the legislative body in England that had the power to make laws and was often at odds with the monarchy, particularly over issues of power and authority. The script describes how Charles I had disagreements with Parliament, leading to a long period without it and eventually to the English Civil War.

💡Charles I

Charles I was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the central figure in the video. Born into the royal family, he became king following the death of his father. His reign was marked by religious and political conflicts, culminating in his trial and execution, which was unprecedented for a monarch.

💡English Civil War

The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political disputes between the Parliamentarians, who supported the authority of the Parliament, and the Royalists, who were loyal to the King. The war began in 1642 and lasted for five years, resulting in significant loss of life and ultimately leading to the execution of Charles I.

💡Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell was a key figure in the English Civil War, leading the Parliamentary forces against the Royalists. His military successes, such as the victory at the Battle of Naseby, were pivotal in turning the tide of the war. Cromwell later played a significant role in the trial and execution of Charles I.

💡Henrietta Maria

Henrietta Maria was the wife of Charles I and a Catholic, which caused religious tensions in Protestant England. Her influence on Charles I is suggested to have contributed to his stance on religious issues and the conflicts with Parliament, as she was referred to as the 'Popish brat of France' in the script.

💡Puritans

Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to 'purify' the Church of England from its 'Catholic' practices. In the video, they are mentioned in the context of their opposition to Charles I's religious reforms, viewing them as too similar to Catholicism.

💡Execution

The execution in the video refers to the beheading of Charles I, which was a dramatic and controversial event at the time. It marked a significant break from tradition, as it was the first time a British monarch had been executed, and it symbolizes the end of Charles's commitment to the divine right of kings.

💡Rump Parliament

The Rump Parliament was the term given to the remaining members of the English Parliament after the majority had been purged due to their opposition to the trial of Charles I. The script mentions that this smaller group of MPs voted in favor of the trial, illustrating the deep divisions within the political landscape of the time.

💡Assassination Attempt

The script refers to an assassination attempt on Charles I, which led to his daring escape attempt from captivity. Although he was recaptured, this event highlights the high stakes and danger faced by the King during this tumultuous period.

💡New Model Army

The New Model Army was the main military force of the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War. In the video, it is mentioned that they were posted to hold back the crowd during Charles I's execution, indicating their role in enforcing the decisions of the Parliament and maintaining order.

Highlights

Charles I's execution on 30 January 1649 marked an unprecedented event in history: the killing of a king.

Charles was not initially expected to become king, but his elder brother Henry's death from typhoid fever changed the line of succession.

The belief in the divine right of kings was a significant similarity between Charles and his father, James VI, asserting their superiority over common laws.

Charles's marriage to the Catholic Henrietta Maria of France caused religious tensions in a country already divided by religious reforms.

Charles's reign was marked by conflicts with Parliament, leading to multiple disbandments and an 11-year rule without Parliament from 1629.

The English Civil War, lasting five years and resulting in over 200,000 deaths, was sparked by Charles raising his banner at Nottingham Castle in 1642.

Oliver Cromwell's rise to prominence and the Battle of Naseby were turning points leading to the defeat of Charles's forces.

Charles's capture and subsequent escape attempt in 1647, followed by recapture, highlighted the instability of his position.

The trial of a king was a controversial and divisive decision, with the Rump Parliament ultimately voting to proceed.

Charles's defiance during his trial, refusing to recognize the court's authority and not entering a plea, demonstrated his steadfast belief in the divine right.

The execution of Charles I was carried out with the crowd held back by the New Model Army, reflecting the unpopularity of the decision.

Charles's last words, expressing his transition to an incorruptible crown, underscored his unwavering commitment to his beliefs.

The executioner's disguise, including a false beard and wig, illustrated the difficulty and controversy of executing a king.

Charles's final moments with his children, including his advice to his eldest son, showed his familial love and concern for their future.

The transcripts raise the question of whether Charles was solely to blame for his fate or if the conflict with Parliament was inevitable.

Transcripts

[Knock]

[Music]

God's law has been changed by the power of the sword.

But subject and sovereign are clean different things.

By what lawful authority am I brought hither?

I failed to spot the wolves in sheep's clothing.

Sweethearts I bid my farewells.

I embrace my destruction.

A glorious death I should die.

And now you will kill your anointed King.

I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible crown.

Where no disturbance can be.

No disturbance in the world.

On the 30 January 1649 Charles I King of England, Scotland and Ireland

walked through this, his Banqueting House at the Royal Palace of Whitehall,

out of a window and onto a scaffold where his executioner was waiting.

Charles had been tried and found guilty.

Tyrant, traitor, murderer.

An enemy of the Commonwealth.

but was he guilty? and what led to this unprecedented

killing of a king?

Charles was never expected to become the king of England.

He was second in line to the throne of Scotland.

His mother Anne of Denmark

His father King James VI Scotland

Charles was born on the 19 November in the year 1600

but three years later his father was invited to become king of England

Charles however was left behind as the sickly child

His elder brother Henry was bright strong and sporting

but at the age of 18 his brother got typhoid fever and died.

Charles was now the first in line to the throne.

In March 1625 his father died and Charles became King.

He was crowned on the 2 February 1626.

The most important similarity between Charles and his father James was the

belief in what was known as the divine right of kings.

there was nobody higher than them and they were not accountable to the laws of

common men.

Parliament are thoroughly excited by the prospect of a new young king.

James had compromised with his ministers. Charles was resolute and would not.

Things start to go pretty bad for Charles right from the outset.

Charles wishes to marry to have heirs to continue his line. He arranges a marriage

with the Catholic Henrietta Maria of France.

However as a Catholic his country

are not happy about it.

Charles is the head of a divided country when it comes to religion. It all started

with Henry VIII when he split from the Church of Rome. Now almost 100

years later there is still discontent. There have been many reforms but with

fanatics on either side.

Now Charles is the head of the Protestant Church of

England and he has reforms of his own. He wishes for a Protestant state however he

believes wholeheartedly that there should be a hierarchy within the Church

and its ministers and a deference towards them. For Puritans that is too

much like Catholicism.

Perhaps Henrietta Maria is bringing too much influence to

our Protestant King. She is known as the Popish brat of France.

Charles will not put up with this.

In the first four years of his reign he

disbands Parliament three times up until 1629 when this time he would disband

them for what turned out to be 11 years.

Charles was a loving husband and a doting father. He is known that Charles

loved to play with his children at St. James's Park where they would play

outside. He also had a silver staff where he would score upon it to see the

changing in height. He referred to his Queen Henrietta Maria as his dear heart.

After 11 years of ruling on his own Charles is out of money. His foreign wars

have cost a fortune and now the only thing to do is to recall Parliament

however straight away they have disagreements once again. Parliament is

divided. Those who are on the side of the king,

Royalists the others who support Parliament are known as Parliamentarians.

These arguments continue back and forth until eventually there is no other path

to take. The King on the 22 August 1642 raises his banner at Nottingham

Castle. Civil war has started. God Save the King they cry.

Civil war in England is the bloodiest conflict will ever take place on English

soil. It will last five years and it's

estimated that over 200,000 people will die.

Charles is doing very well for the first two years and the Royalists seem to take every single

victory. However that all changes in 1644. Oliver Cromwell makes his name and at

the Battle of Naseby the Kings forces are beaten. It goes from

bad to worse however for our King and eventually Parliament sign an

agreement with the Scots and they joined the war on the Parliamentarian side.

Charles tries to negotiate with them as well however is taken prisoner.

He is then handed from one house to another until eventually being locked up at his

own palace at Hampton Court. Then word reaches the King there might be an

assassination attempt so in 1647 he tries a daring escape and he manages it.

Unfortunately he is once again recaptured and eventually brought back

to London. Now there is talk of placing a king on trial. The country once again is

divided. Who could place a king on trial?

With the divine right of kings he's above the law.

It's a hugely unpopular decision to place a king on trial. The majority still

wish to negotiate with him however when they arrive to Parliament in December

1648 they find that there are soldiers on the door. Those who will not look

favourably upon the King's trial are turned away.

Many of them are arrested. Those who are allowed to enter will become known as

the Rump Parliament. These remaining 46 MPs take a vote.

A majority of 26 decide to place the King on trial. On the 20 January 1649

the trial began. Charles dressed for the occasion. He wore a fine black

velvet suit with a black hat a white lace collar around his neck and of

course the blue ribbon with the jeweled George upon it signifying that he was the

head of the Order of the Garter. He kept his hat upon his head showing that

everyone else should show deference to him. When the court begins their

questioning Charles stops them and demands 'By what power am I called hither?'

For three days Charles refuses to recognise the authority of this court

and will not enter a plea. Despite this the trial continues.

On the morning of the 27 January Charles was brought to Parliament to

have judgment passed upon him. He had been found guilty.

He tried to speak a word but was silenced by John Bradshaw the head of

the proceedings. He insisted 'will you not hear a word, sir'.? But he

was denied. He was led from the courtroom. For Charles it was all too late.

Charles is given three days to prepare for his execution. He asks that he might

be allowed to see his youngest children still in the country

Elizabeth and Henry. He then writes a letter to Charles his eldest advising

him on what to do when he becomes king. He writes to James telling him to stand

by his brother. On the 29 January Henry and Elizabeth are brought to meet

their father

Elizabeth is hysterical with tears. Charles comforts them as best he can. He

tells Elizabeth she will forget this

Henry is sat upon his father's lap and Charles says to him at no cost should he

accept the crown. Parliament may try to give it to him. Henry insists he'll be

torn apart before he accepts. When it is time for them to leave Elizabeth is

distraught. Her father rushes to the door and embraces them one last time. They're then

ushered out the door.

Charles collapses in a heap upon the floor. He spends the rest of the day in

his bed inconsolable. On the night before his execution Charles got about four

hours sleep. He arose two hours before dawn but with the sunrise

he opened the curtains and said 'I have great work to do today'. He called for his

attendant to bring him an extra shirt for it was a cold, icy day outside he

wouldn't want anyone in the crowd thinking he shivered out of fear. At ten

o'clock there was a sharp knock upon the door. It was time. He would be escorted

from St. James's Palace through the park under armed guard.

At 2:00 p.m. Charles was led through this hall. The

cruel irony being that he walked underneath the paintings he commissioned

by Peter Paul Rubens showing his father looking down from heaven and the nature

of the divine right of kings a belief which had brought Charles to this very

moment. He past through the hall...

and out onto the scaffold. If Charles felt any nerves at this moment he hid

them well. He conducted himself with strength and decorum. This was such an

unpopular decision to execute a king the New Model Army had been posted to hold

the crowd back. To find an executioner to kill a king was a hard task. Whoever they

found did not want to be recognised so they dressed in the outfit of a sailor

wore a false beard and a wig and placed fishnets over their head. Charles noted

that his last words would only fall upon the ears of his executioner's and the

soldiers around him. He said 'I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible crown

where no disturbance can be'.

He asked his executioner if his hair was troubling him. His executioner said yes

and so Charles placed a nightcap upon his head. His executioner helped to tuck

the hair away. He told his executioner that he would say his last prayers and when

he stretched out his arms he was ready to die.

Charles lay himself down upon the floor.

He said his last prayers stretched out his arms

and the axe fell.

His unwavering commitment to the divine right blinded Charles to

the need for compromise. He was a man who stuck to his beliefs but ultimately paid

for it with his life. Was Charles solely to blame or where he and Parliament on a

road that led to only one outcome?

What do you think?