The story of Charles’ trial, and execution told from the point of view of John Bradshaw

Charles walked into court, his footsteps echoing in the silent hall. I looked upon him with hatred. “Now justice will be restored, and this traitor will pay for what he’s done.” I thought to myself. “Charles Stuart, you are charged with all the treasons, murders, burnings, damages and mischiefs to this nation committed in the wars.” I projected my voice across the court. “Do you plead guilty or not guilty?” Charles refused to do this. “Just as I thought.” I mused to myself. Finally, he spoke. “This court has no legal right to try me.” I made sure that he was taken away. We asked him the same question again on the second day (Monday 22nd January, 1649).

With no luck, we tried to get him to plead. Charles and I had an exchange of words shortly afterwards, which wasn’t very pleasant. “I do plead for the liberties of England more than any of you do.” sniped Charles. “We sit here by the authority of the Commons of England,” I said firmly, “Which has called your ancestors to account.” “I deny that! Show me one precedent.” demanded Charles. “The point is not to be debated by you!” I yelled angrily. “The Commons of England was never a court of law.” said Charles obstinately. “Confess or deny the charges.” My voice sounded like steel. “By what authority do you sit?” enquired Charles. “Take him away,” I ordered, unable to bear another moment with Charles.

After another day in which the same thing happened, the witnesses were heard over a period of three days. There were still only less than half the Commissioners there. “Mindless traitors!” I exclaimed furiously in my head, “This proves to me that they cannot be trusted as they support Charles.” Charles was not allowed to be present at the hearing. In one of the statements issued, Charles was responsible for starting the Civil War. I personally agreed with this.

Charles’ verdict and sentence was on Saturday 27th January. This was a day that most of us wouldn’t regret in a hurry. Charles was promised a speech before the verdict was read out but many of us (including me) had our doubts about it. He wanted to talk to the House of Commons and Lords because he had a plan for peace to put to them. This was shocking, as this was the man who betrayed us all. His wish was refused, as we didn’t trust him. He then tried to make a statement but I didn’t allow him to, because of his dishonesty. The verdict and the sentence were then read out. I claimed that Charles was guilty, because it was the duty of the king to call Parliament frequently, however he had flouted this and so he had attacked the basic liberties of everyone in the country, in the most despicable manner possible. I then read out the death sentence, the death knoll of the bloodbath which was the Civil War. “This court does judge that Charles Stuart, a tyrant, traitor, murderer and public enemy of the people, shall be put to death by the severing of his head from his body.” I ruled.

The execution of Charles Stuart was on 30th January 1649. He was beheaded, and as a sign, his head was held up as a warning to those who would dare to commit the unwholesome crimes he had caused.