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Politics & World • Monarchy

Charles I of England

Charles I of England was king of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Charles I was king of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649. His conflicts with Parliament and the English Civil War led to his trial for high treason and execution in 1649, making him the only English monarch tried and executed for treason.

Early life and accession

Charles was born on 19 November 1600 in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, to James VI and I and Anne of Denmark. He became heir after the death of his older brother Henry in 1612 and succeeded to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland in 1625.

Reign and conflict with Parliament

Charles’s reign was shaped by disputes over royal prerogative, taxation, and religion. His belief in the divine right of kings brought him into repeated conflict with Parliament, leading to major disputes over taxation, religion, and royal authority.

English Civil War

Tensions between Charles and Parliament escalated into civil war in 1642. After years of fighting, royalist forces were defeated and Charles was captured and brought to trial.

Trial and execution

In January 1649, Charles was tried by a specially constituted court, convicted of high treason, and sentenced to death. He was executed by beheading outside the Banqueting House in Whitehall, Westminster, England, on 30 January 1649.

Key facts

  • Charles I was the second son of James VI and I and Anne of Denmark.
  • He became king in 1625 after the death of his father.
  • His rule was marked by major disputes with Parliament over taxation, religion, and royal authority.
  • These conflicts contributed to the English Civil War, which began in 1642.
  • Charles I was executed by beheading on 30 January 1649 at Whitehall.
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Canadian context

Charles I has indirect relevance for Canada through the British monarchical tradition and the constitutional history that shaped later Canadian governance and the Crown in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Charles I of England?
He was the king of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649.
Why was Charles I executed?
He was convicted of high treason after political and military conflict with Parliament during the English Civil War.
When was Charles I born?
He was born on 19 November 1600.
Where was Charles I executed?
He was executed outside the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London.
What happened after his execution?
The monarchy was abolished and England became a republic under the Commonwealth.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_I_of_England
    Supports: reign dates, death date, execution, title
  2. BBC History — https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/charles_i_king.shtml
    Supports: birth place and date, conflicts with Parliament, execution
  3. The Royal Family — https://www.royal.uk/charles-i
    Supports: birth date and place, accession, execution
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-I-king-of-Great-Britain-and-Ireland
    Supports: biographical overview, reign, conflict with Parliament, execution
  5. Historic Royal Palaces — https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/history-and-stories/the-execution-of-charles-i/
    Supports: execution location, trial and execution context