At the end of the Civil War, Charles I was captured by the parliamentary forces, led by Oliver Cromwell. He was put on trial for high treason and other charges by the newly established High Court of Justice. Charles I refused to recognize the authority of the court, arguing that only God had the right to judge a monarch. Despite his defense, he was found guilty and sentenced to death.
On January 30, 1649, Charles I was executed by beheading outside the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London. This marked the only time in history that an English monarch was tried and executed by their own people.
What happened to Charles I at the end of the Civil War?
1 answer