Trial & Execution of Charles I

Source A: Charles I on trial at Westminster, 1649

Source B: RJ Huggins, 1998

In 1648, whilst Charles was talking with Parliament about who should have the largest say in the way that England should be run, he secretly convinced the Scots to change sides. They invaded England and a second Civil War broke out. The Royalists were easily defeated, but many people were killed. Parliament no longer trusted Charles. It decided to put him on trial for treason. The trial was fixed for 20th January 1649. Charles was executed on the 30th January 1649.

Source C: Sentence of the High Court at Charles I’s trial, 1649

Charles Stuart, King of England, trusted to rule according to the laws (rules) of this land, had a wicked plan to create an unlimited and unjust power (without Parliament) to rule as he wanted.

Like a traitor he waged a war against Parliament and the people. So he is responsible for all the murders, burnings, damage and destruction caused during the war. He is a murderer, traitor and an enemy to the people of England.

Source E: Hat worn by Richard Bradshaw, the Judge at Charles I’s trial. It was reinforced with metal.

Source D: Charles I, 1649

I demand to know by what power I am called here. By what lawful authority? Remember I am your lawful King. Think about these things before you go from one sin to a greater one. I have a trust committed to me by God by lawful inheritance. I will not give it up to a new and unlawful authority.

Source F: Death Warrant signed by 39 MPs, 1649.

Source G: Philip Henry, Royalist, 1649

On the day of his execution, which was Tuesday 30 January, I stood amongst the crowd in the street before Whitehall Gate, where the scaffold was erected, and saw was done. The blow I saw given, and I remember well, there was such a groan by the thousands then present, as I never heard before and desire I may never hear again.

Source H: Execution of Charles I, 1649

Source I: Eye Witness, Royalist, 1649

The King’s Head was thrown down by him that held it up. His hair was cut off. Soldiers dipped their swords in his blood. Base language (swearing) was used over his dead body.

Task 1. Read Sources A, B, C and D.

1. Look at Source B: Why was Charles I put on trial in 1649?

2. Look at Source C: Why did Parliament call Charles a traitor?

3. Look at Source D: How did Charles I answer the charges brought against him by

Parliament?

Task 2. Read Sources E, F, G, H and I.

1. Use the sources to help you complete the table below before you answer next

question.

2. Using the sources and your own knowledge, explain how far the people of England

supported the trial & execution of Charles I.

Sources / Evidence that the trial & execution was popular / Evidence that the trial & execution was unpopular
E
F
G
H
I

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