Charles I of England

King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649 (1600-1649)

Fame73.7
Momentum12.5
Historical Figures rank#51

Source-basedStable

Fame73.7
Momentum12.5
Historical Figures rank#51
Wikipedia227.7K

Lived 1600–1649, aged 49United Kingdom

United Kingdom Historical Figures

Wikipedia
97 languages
Cross-language footprint
Era
1600–1649
Aged 49
Awards
1
recognised work

Summary

Updated 2026-06-08

The only English monarch beheaded by his own government. Charles I pushed divine right so hard against Parliament that it ended in civil war, regicide, and the temporary death of the monarchy itself.

Biography

About

Born the second son in the House of Stuart in 1600, Charles became heir in 1612 when his older brother died. After a failed eight-month courtship in Spain and his father's death, he took the throne in 1625 and married Henrietta Maria of France. He immediately collided with Parliament over taxes and royal power, insisting he answered to God alone — levying money without consent, supporting high Anglican ritual that reeked of Rome to Puritans, and bungling aid to Protestant Europe during the Thirty Years' War. His attempt to impose Anglican practice on Scotland sparked the Bishops' Wars and unra…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Charles I of England

Charles I of England

said30 Jan 1649

For the people. And truly I desire their Liberty and Freedom as much as any Body whomsoever.

— On the scaffold before his execution. (30 January, 1649).

Charles I of England

said30 Jan 1649

I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown, where no disturbance can be, no disturbance in the World.

— Last words, said on the scaffold before his execution. (30 January, 1649).

Charles I of England

said26 Aug 1646

Next to religion, the power of the sword is the truest judge and greatest support of sovereignty which is unknown to none (as it may be that of religion is to some).

— Letter to the Prince of Wales (26 August 1646), quoted in Letters of the Kings of England, Now First Collected from the Originals in Royal

Charles I of England

said4 Jan 1642

Since I see all the birds are flown, I do expect from you that you will send them unto me as soon as they return hither.

— Statement in the House of Commons after failing to arrest five members (4 January 1642), from the journal of Sir Simonds d'Ewes

Charles I of England

said1639

Now, doth this Petition deserve the name of an explication of their Covenant? much lesse of such an explication as should give either Us or Our Commissioner any satisfaction?

— p. 110

via Wikiquote · CC BY-SA

Gallery