Charles I of England

On November 19, 1600, Charles, the second son of James VI of Scotland, who would later become Charles I of England, was born.

Henry, the older brother of Charles and a popular figure known for his strength, passed away at the age of eighteen due to suspected typhoid, paving the way for Charles to become the heir apparent.

At the age of five, Charles I was granted the title Duke of York. This title was bestowed upon him by his father, James I of England.

On January 1, 1612, Charles I became the heir to the throne. This event marked a significant moment in the history of the English monarchy.

In 1613, Charles I's sister, Elizabeth, left England to marry Frederick V, elector of the Rhine Palatinate. Charles was saddened by her departure.

In 1618, Charles I made his first appearance in public affairs. This marked the beginning of his involvement in political matters.

In February 1623, Charles and Buckingham traveled incognito to Spain to negotiate the Spanish match, but it ended in failure. The Spanish demanded conditions such as Charles converting to Catholicism, toleration of Catholics in England, and the repeal of English penal laws.

After the passing of his father, James I, on 25th March 1625, Charles I ascended to the throne of England, beginning a significant reign that would be remembered in history.

Charles I became the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland on March 27, 1625, following the death of his father, King James VI of Scotland. He faced conflicts with the English Parliament due to his belief in the divine right of kings and his attempts to govern without parliamentary consent.

Charles I was married by proxy to the 15-year-old French princess Henrietta Maria in front of Notre Dame de Paris. They met in person on 13 June 1625 in Canterbury. The marriage caused opposition in Parliament due to Henrietta Maria being Catholic.

In 1625, Charles I married Henrietta Maria of France by proxy, meeting her in person the following month. The marriage was fruitful, resulting in five surviving children. However, it faced opposition from some in parliament due to Henrietta Maria's Roman Catholic background.

Charles I was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 2 February 1626. However, his wife Henrietta Maria did not participate in the Protestant religious ceremony.

The House of Commons launched a direct protestation attacking Buckingham, expressing their lack of hope in his leadership and fear that any money given to him would be misused to the detriment of the kingdom.

On January 1, 1627, Charles I declared war on France and Spain. This decision had major implications for the political landscape of Europe during that time.

The Petition of Right was a document presented to Charles I of England in 1628, outlining specific civil liberties and challenging the king's absolute authority. It aimed to address grievances related to taxation and arbitrary imprisonment.

On 23 August 1628, Buckingham was assassinated, causing deep distress to Charles I. The public rejoiced at Buckingham's death, marking the end of the war with Spain and the elimination of his leadership as an issue.

King Charles I ordered the adjournment of Parliament on March 2, 1629, after the House of Commons passed resolutions condemning his conduct.

Charles I faced loss of popular support due to public welfare issues, such as the imposition of drainage schemes in The Fens, affecting thousands of people.

The Earl of Strafford, also known as Thomas Wentworth, became the Lord Deputy of Ireland in 1632. He emerged as a key figure in Charles I's administration, implementing policies to strengthen central royal authority.

In 1633, Charles I was crowned in Edinburgh with an Anglican ceremony, which sparked controversy and scrutiny over his religious policies. This event marked a significant moment in the tension between the king and religious dissenters.

Charles I introduced 'ship money' as a way to raise revenue for the Crown, requiring every town in England to provide money as a replacement for ships traditionally provided during times of war from coastal regions, leading to discontent among the population.

In 1636, the Book of Canons was introduced, asserting the king's complete power in church matters. This further escalated the conflict between Charles I and those who opposed his religious policies.

In 1637, Charles I ordered the use of a new prayer book in Scotland without consulting the Scottish Parliament or the Kirk. This led to riots in Edinburgh and widespread unrest as many Scots saw it as an attempt to introduce Anglicanism to Scotland.

In November 1638, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland condemned the new prayer book, abolished episcopal church government, and adopted presbyterian government. This marked a significant shift in religious governance in Scotland.

Perceiving the unrest in Scotland as a rebellion, Charles I initiated the First Bishops' War in 1639. He raised an army without parliamentary aid and marched to Berwick-upon-Tweed, but did not engage the Covenanters due to fear of defeat.

The Long Parliament, which proved to be challenging for King Charles I, assembled on 3 November 1640. It initiated proceedings to impeach the king's advisors and passed significant acts to limit the king's power.

Thomas Wentworth, the Earl of Strafford, went on trial for high treason on 22 March 1641. Despite allegations, the case against him collapsed, leading to a bill of attainder and his subsequent execution.

Charles, fearing for his family's safety, reluctantly agreed to the execution of Thomas Wentworth, the Earl of Strafford, after pressure from Parliament and consultation with his advisors.

Thomas Wentworth, the Earl of Strafford, was beheaded on May 12, 1641, after being impeached for treason during the Long Parliament.

The Commons passed the Grand Remonstrance to King Charles I on November 22, 1641, detailing grievances since his accession.

Parliament approves the Grand Remonstrance, a document criticizing the governance of Charles I of England.

In 1642, Charles I entered the House of Commons to arrest 5 leading members for treason.

In 1646, Charles I is captured after escaping to the Isle of Wight, subsequently tried by Parliament, and found guilty of high treason.

In November 1647, the Scots handed over Charles I of England to the English authorities. This event marked a significant turning point in the conflict between the two nations.

Scottish Generals conducted the 'Man of Blood Trial' on December 6-7, 1648, referring to individuals of violence. This trial was a result of the war declared by Charles I on Parliament.

After being defeated by Parliament in the Civil Wars, Charles I was put on trial for treason by the High Court of Justice at Westminster Hall. Despite the contentious issue of putting a king on trial, the trial proceeded with those against it being turned away or arrested.

Charles I was declared guilty of treason, murder, and being a public enemy by a court. The judgement sentenced him to death by beheading.

Just seven days after being found guilty of treason, Charles I was sentenced to execution. Despite his refusal to cooperate and recognize the court's legitimacy, the judges passed the sentence.

Charles I bid a tearful farewell to his children, Elizabeth and Henry, who were permitted to visit him before his execution.

Charles I was put on trial and convicted, leading to his execution on January 30, 1649.

Charles I was buried in private in the Henry VIII vault in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, after the commission refused burial at Westminster Abbey.