Charles I

About Charles I

The English king whose conflict with Parliament led to the English Civil War and his execution. Charles believed in the divine right of kings and ruled without Parliament for 11 years. The Civil War resulted in his defeat, trial, and execution in 1649. Charles was the first English king to be executed. His death led to 11 years of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell. The monarchy was restored in 1660 under his son Charles II. The execution of Charles I fundamentally changed the relationship between crown and Parliament.