author
King of England Charles I
1600–1649
A king who believed deeply in royal authority, he became one of the most dramatic figures in British history. His clashes with Parliament helped trigger civil war and ended with his execution in 1649.
1 Audiobook
Eikon Basilike The Pourtracture of His Sacred Majestie, in His Solitudes and Sufferings
by King of England Charles I, John Gauden
About the author
Born in 1600, he was the second son of James VI of Scotland and I of England and became heir after the death of his older brother, Prince Henry. He came to the throne in 1625 as king of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
His reign was marked by bitter disputes with Parliament, especially over money, religion, and how much power a king should have. Charles tried to rule without Parliament for a period, but growing mistrust and conflict eventually led to the English Civil War.
Defeated by Parliament’s forces, he was put on trial and executed in London on January 30, 1649. His life and death made him a lasting symbol of the struggle between monarchy and parliamentary government.