The Execution of Charles I

This section explores the lead up and aftermath of the Execution of King Charles I. After Charles I was captured in December 1648, he was imprisoned by Parliament. The country now faced the critical question of what to do with the defeated monarch. There were debates, with some arguing for Charles to remain on the throne, albeit with his powers heavily restricted, while others insisted that he should be executed and the English monarchy abolished entirely. This intense debate came to an abrupt end when Charles I was executed on 30 January 1649.

Why Was Charles I Put on Trial?

The process that led to the trial of Charles I was a deeply controversial one. After his capture in December 1648, the power struggle between Parliament and the King reached its climax.

Rump Parliament:

• In December 1648, the Roundhead soldiers surrounded Parliament, and those members of Parliament who were still willing to negotiate with the King were excluded.
• The members who remained formed what became known as the Rump Parliament, which was made up solely of MPs who were hostile to Charles I.
• The Rump Parliament then passed an Act that authorised the trial of the King for treason, marking the beginning of the legal proceedings against him.

Political Context:

• The trial was seen as illegal by many, and it was fiercely disputed even by those who had spent years fighting against the monarchy.
• Some of the Parliamentarians who had supported the overthrow of the King were uncomfortable with the idea of putting him on trial and executing him.

Charles I's Trial and Execution

The trial of Charles I was held in January 1649 and was a highly contentious event in English history. The decision to proceed with the trial raised serious legal and moral questions.

Controversial Trial:

• Of the 135 commissioners appointed to judge the King, only 68 attended the trial. This raised questions about the legitimacy of the process.
• Oliver Cromwell, one of the key leaders of the Parliamentary army, was firmly committed to the idea of the King being held accountable for his actions. Cromwell was reportedly determined that Charles should face the consequences of his actions, allegedly saying:
  “I will cut off his head, with the crown upon it.”

Charles I’s Defence:

• Charles I refused to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. He argued that Parliament had no legal authority to put him on trial, as he believed in the divine right of kings – the idea that kings are appointed by God and are answerable only to Him.
• The King also claimed that it was wrong for Parliament to act as both judge, jury, and executioner, as this was not in line with traditional legal processes.

The Trial:

• Despite Charles’s objections, the trial continued. The prosecution presented a number of witness statements accusing the King of various crimes, including:
  • Starting the war against Parliament.
  • Causing immense suffering for his subjects by refusing to compromise.
  • Plotting against the authority of Parliament.
• No witnesses were called to defend Charles or testify in his favour, further undermining the fairness of the trial.

Guilty Verdict:

• On 27 January 1649, Charles I was found guilty of high treason. The following day, he was sentenced to death, and within just three days, on 30 January 1649, he was executed.
• Charles I was beheaded at Whitehall in London, and his death marked the end of the monarchy in England for the time being.

The Impact of Charles I’s Execution

The execution of Charles I had profound effects on England and its future political and social landscape.

England Becomes a Republic:

• The immediate impact of Charles’s execution was the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic in England, known as the Commonwealth.
• The monarchy was replaced by a republican government, led by Oliver Cromwell and Parliament.

Puritan Influence:

• Following the execution, the influence of Puritanism increased in England. Cromwell’s vision for the future of England was heavily shaped by his Puritan beliefs, leading to the enforcement of stricter moral codes and religious reforms.

Religious and Social Reforms:

• The execution of the King was also seen by some as a step towards greater religious freedom and the removal of the traditional social hierarchy associated with the monarchy.
• One notable outcome was the re-admission of Jewish people to England, a policy that had been banned for centuries.

Women's Rights:

• Although the situation for women in England did not drastically change in the short term, the execution of Charles I symbolised a shift in power that some hoped would lead to greater freedoms for women in the future.

Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth

Following the execution of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell became the central figure in the new republican government. He emerged as the most powerful man in England after the monarchy’s abolition and played a key role in shaping the Commonwealth.

Cromwell’s Rise to Power:

• As the leader of Parliament’s army, Cromwell became the de facto leader of the country.
• In 1653, Cromwell became Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, effectively ruling England as a military dictator.

The Crown Offer:

• In 1657, Cromwell was even offered the Crown by some members of Parliament, but he refused it, choosing instead to maintain a republican form of government.

Cromwell’s Leadership:

• Cromwell’s leadership was deeply divisive, and he is viewed in contrasting lights by historians and the public. Some saw him as a hero of liberty, who helped to overthrow a tyrant and move England towards a more democratic system. Others saw him as a dictator, who ruled with a heavy hand, suppressing any opposition to his regime.

Reasons Why Cromwell is Admired

• Military Victories: Cromwell led England to military victories over the Dutch and Spanish, helping to establish England as a more powerful nation.
• Religious Freedom: Cromwell introduced greater religious tolerance, allowing Protestants of various denominations to practice freely and even allowing Jewish people to return to England.
• Champion of Liberty: Some view Cromwell as a champion of liberty, who helped remove a monarch who had abused his power and moved England closer to a Parliamentary democracy.

Reasons Why Cromwell is Criticised

• Authoritarian Rule: Cromwell’s establishment of military control over England led to a period of strict rule. He appointed 11 Major Generals who enforced harsh Puritan laws, including closing taverns, banning Christmas celebrations, and curbing other aspects of personal freedom.
• Persecution of Political Dissent: Groups like the Levellers and Diggers, who called for greater social equality, were harshly suppressed, and their leaders were imprisoned and executed.
• Atrocities in Ireland: Cromwell’s military campaigns in Ireland were marked by extreme violence, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Irish civilians, including women and children.
• Accusations of Hypocrisy: Many critics accused Cromwell of murdering a king only to rule in a similar way himself, as a dictator rather than a true champion of liberty.

In conclusion, the execution of Charles I marked a dramatic turning point in British history, not only leading to the abolition of the monarchy but also setting the stage for the rise of Oliver Cromwell and the establishment of the Commonwealth. Cromwell’s leadership continues to be a subject of intense debate, with some seeing him as a liberator and others as a tyrant.