King Charles I Photos

Ruled England 27 March 1625 - 30 January 1649. Charles I, second son of James VI & I of Scotland & England, gained the crown after the untimely death of his elder brother. He was a patron of artists, and a major collector of artworks, many still in the Royal Collection. Charles I clashed with Parliament over financial, religious, & political issues. He believed in his father's concept of Divine Right of Kings, and decided to govern without Parliament, beginning 11 years of personal rule in 1629. Many of his actions were unpopular with his subjects. Reconciliation became impossible when in 1642 Charles I entered the House of Commons with an armed guard and demanded the arrest of five members. The subsequent Civil War (between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians) ended with Charles' surrender in 1646. Brought to trial by a large tribunal of judges, he was found guilty by a close vote. Charles I was beheaded in public on January 30, 1649.