Answer: Charles I
Some extra relevant information:
The only king of England to be executed was King Charles I. Charles I ruled England from 1625 until 1649. His reign was marked by conflicts with Parliament, particularly over the issue of royal authority and taxation. These tensions eventually erupted into a full-scale civil war between the royalist supporters of the king and the opposing forces known as the Parliamentarians or roundheads.
The English Civil War lasted from 1642 until 1651 and ultimately resulted in the defeat of the royalists and the capture of King Charles I. He was charged with high treason and other crimes against the state. The king was put on trial in a highly controversial and unprecedented proceeding known as the “Trial of Charles I.” The trial took place from January 20 to January 27, 1649.
In spite of his eloquent defense, Charles I was found guilty and sentenced to death. On January 30, 1649, he was executed by beheading in front of the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London. His execution marked a major turning point in British history, as it led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England, under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell.
The execution of King Charles I had significant political and social consequences. It symbolized the triumph of Parliament over the monarchy and demonstrated the power of the people in shaping their government. The event also sparked outrage among many European monarchs, who saw regicide as a threat to their own authority.
Today, the execution of King Charles I remains a notable episode in English history. It serves as a reminder of the struggle for power between the monarchy and Parliament and the importance of checks and balances in governance. Charles I’s legacy is one of controversy and debate, as historians continue to analyze the causes and implications of the English Civil War.