The Execution of Charles I (AQA GCSE History)

Summary

After the capture of Charles I in December 1648, he was held prisoner by Parliament. The debate over what to do with him began. Some people argued that he should remain on the throne but have strict limits on his power. Others argued that he should be executed and the English monarchy be completely abolished. The debate was brought to an end when Charles I was executed 30 January 1649.

Why was Charles I put on trial?

• In December 1648, Parliament was surrounded by Roundhead soldiers

• Any MP who was in favour of continuing to negotiate with the King was barred from entering 

• Those who gained access formed what became known as the Rump Parliament 

  • There were no MPs sympathetic to the King present

  • The Rump Parliament passed an Act to put Charles on trial for treason

Charles I trial and execution

• The decision to put Charles on trial was controversial and its legality was disputed

• Even some people who had spent years fighting against the King disagreed with putting him on trial

• Of the 135 commissioners who were appointed to sit in judgement on Charles, only 68 turned up

• Oliver Cromwell was in no doubt that the King should stand trial and was alleged to have said:

• King Charles refused to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty 

  • He argued that Parliament had no legal authority to put him on trial

  • Charles also stated it was wrong for Parliament to act as his judge, jury and executioner

• The trial continued despite Charles’ objections and lack of plea

• It heard witness statements stating that the king was guilty of:

  • Starting the war

  • Causing great suffering to his subjects

  • Plotting against Parliament

• No witness statements were heard in favour of Charles

• On 27 January 1649, he was found guilty and sentenced to death

•  Just three days later, the King of England was publicly beheaded in London’s Whitehall

The impact of Charles I’s execution

Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth

• The republic that was established in England after Charles’s execution was called the Commonwealth

• As the leader of Parliament’s army, Cromwell emerged from the war as the most powerful man in England

• Cromwell became ‘Lord Protector’

  • He was even offered the Crown in 1657 but turned it down 

• Cromwell was one of Britain’s most controversial and divisive leaders