On This Day
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The English Rump Parliament votes to put Charles I on trial for treason and other high crimes

The trial of Charles I took place in January 1649, marking the first time a reigning monarch was tried and executed by his own subjects.

The trial of Charles I took place in January 1649, marking the first time a reigning monarch was tried and executed by his own subjects. Following years of conflict during the English Civil War, which pitted the Royalists loyal to Charles I against the Parliamentarians seeking to limit his powers, the king was captured by Parliamentary forces in 1646.

In November 1648, after a series of failed negotiations and increasing tensions, the Rump Parliament established the High Court of Justice to try Charles for treason. The court was presided over by John Bradshaw, and the proceedings were marked by controversy and legal disputes, as many questioned the legitimacy of trying a king.

Historical Significance

The trial of Charles I took place in January 1649, marking the first time a reigning monarch was tried and executed by his own subjects.

Key People

Charles I

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Events Before

  1. Treaty of Westphalia ends the Thirty Years' War in the Holy Roman Empire; Switzerland's independence is recognized

    The Peace of Westphalia is the collective name for two peace treaties signed in October 1648 in the Westphalian cities of Osnabrück and Münster.

  2. Future Governor of New France Louis de Buade de Frontenac (28) secretly marries fellow aristocrat Anne de La Grange-Tria

    Future Governor of New France Louis de Buade de Frontenac (28) secretly marries fellow aristocrat Anne de La Grange-Trianon (16)

  3. Cornerstone of Amsterdam Town Hall is laid

    Cornerstone of Amsterdam Town Hall is laid

  4. Lord Baltimore's representative Margaret Brent ejected from the Maryland Council after requesting right to vote

    Lord Baltimore's representative Margaret Brent ejected from the Maryland Council after requesting right to vote

  5. Spain & Netherlands sign Peace of Munster, ending the Thirty Years' War

    The Thirty Years' War, fought primarily in Central Europe between 1618 and 1648, was one of the most destructive conflicts in European history.

Events After

  1. Oliver Cromwell's English New Model Army defeats a Scottish force in a surprise attack at the Battle of Dunbar

    The Battle of Dunbar was fought between the English New Model Army, under Oliver Cromwell, and a Scottish army commanded by David Leslie on 3 September 1650 near Dunbar, Scotland.

  2. French General Louis II of Condé arrested and imprisoned at Vincennes

    French General Louis II of Condé arrested and imprisoned at Vincennes

  3. Dutch East India Company (VOC) management sets new guidelines

    Dutch East India Company (VOC) management sets new guidelines

  4. Battle of Carbisdale: Royalist army under the Marquess of Montrose invades mainland Scotland from Orkney and is defeated

    Battle of Carbisdale: Royalist army under the Marquess of Montrose invades mainland Scotland from Orkney and is defeated by a Covenanter army

  5. French rebel Henri de la Tour Turenne signs treaty with Spain

    French rebel Henri de la Tour Turenne signs treaty with Spain

More from the 1640s

Francesco Cavalli's opera "Giasone" premieres in Venice (the most popular opera of the 17th century)

Giasone (Jason) is an opera in three acts and a prologue with music by Francesco Cavalli and a libretto by Giacinto Andrea Cicognini.

Dutch East India Company conquers the city of Malacca, killing about 7,000 people

Dutch East India Company conquers the city of Malacca, killing about 7,000 people

Georgeana (York) in Maine becomes the first incorporated American city

Georgeana (York) in Maine becomes the first incorporated American city

Two hundred members of the Peking imperial family and court commit suicide out of loyalty to the last Ming Emperor, Chon

Two hundred members of the Peking imperial family and court commit suicide out of loyalty to the last Ming Emperor, Chongzhen

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on January 6, 1649?
The trial of Charles I took place in January 1649, marking the first time a reigning monarch was tried and executed by his own subjects. Following years of conflict during the English Civil War, which pitted the Royalists loyal to Charles I against the Parliamentarians seeking to limit his powers, the king was captured by Parliamentary forces in 1646. In November 1648, after a series of failed negotiations and increasing tensions, the Rump Parliament established the High Court of Justice to try Charles for treason.
Why is The English Rump Parliament votes to put Charles I on trial for treason and o... significant?
The trial of Charles I took place in January 1649, marking the first time a reigning monarch was tried and executed by his own subjects.
Who was involved in The English Rump Parliament votes to put Charles I on trial for treason and o...?
Key figures include Charles I.

Explore More

January 6 in HistoryYear 1649