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The execution of King Charles I from NPG, illustrating event-execution-charles-i

The execution of King Charles I , by unknown artist. See source website for additional information. Text: "The most abhorrent outrageous execution, performed on the most serene and most grandly powerful Carl Stuart, king in Great Britain, France and Ireland etc. in London before Whitehall Palace, Tuesday 30 January [Julian] / 9 February [Gregorian] in the ye Unknown author Unknown author. Public domain.

Historical event

Execution of Charles I

30 January 1649

London

Charles I was executed after a trial that asserted a king could be held answerable for war against his people.

Overview

Charles I was executed after a trial that asserted a king could be held answerable for war against his people. Its causes, participants and consequences connect this record to the wider English Civil War guide, where the event is placed in chronology rather than treated as an isolated date.

Explore English Civil War

People connected to this event

Oliver Cromwell1599–1658

Read the wider story

Crown, Parliament and Revolution in Seventeenth-Century Britain8 min read

Sources and further reading