Execution Speech

On January 30, 1649, King Charles I was led to scaffolding in Whitehall, London where he was to be executed for crimes against the British people. He wore two shirts so he might not tremble from cold and appear weak or afraid. In the moments before his death, Charles I gave this memorable speech, characterizing himself as a martyr till the very end. The British public’s faith in monarchy dissipated as the blade fell, separating Charles’ head from his body and changing the course of British history.