The trial of Charles I, January 1649

Sources and commentary by Professor Jason Peacey.

    Source: extracts from proceedings at the High Court of Justice, 20, 22, 23 and 27 January 1649, as reported in a contemporary newspaper.


    Questions to think about and discuss after reading the extract:

  • What do these extracts reveal about the aim of the trial?
  • What do these extracts reveal about Charles I?
  • What do these extracts reveal about the way in which the trial was staged?
  • Who were the authors? And what were their motives?
  • Who was in the audience?