Description
This series tells the story of the most momentous four weeks in our history. It is a story of immense pathos and drama: King Charles I is put on trial and executed by his own subjects and six children lose their beloved, affectionate father. A cabal of extremists has gained control of the country and as they debate whether Charles should live or die, the future of the monarchy itself hangs in the balance.
140 years before the French Revolution the English committed an act that sent shock waves across the world. Was executing Charles a brave and necessary reaction to a despot? Was it a victory for human rights and equality? Or was it a tragic mistake motivated by power and ego?
Did Charles I need to die? Our presenter will answer this question across three dramatic and emotionally charged episodes. Starting on Christmas Day 1648 our presenter will trace, hour by hour, the machinations that led to this cataclysmic event just four weeks later. Incredible original documents such as Charles’ death warrant and artefacts such as the bulletproof hat worn by the chief prosecutor for Parliament and Charles’ bloodstained shirt, worn at his execution, will help bring the series to life.