Member-only story

The Story of the Man Who Sent Charles to the Scaffold: A Gripping Account of Betrayal and Execution

Wesley Reed

·3k Followers· Follow

Published in The Tyrannicide Brief: The Story Of The Man Who Sent Charles I To The Scaffold

4 min read · 1 week before

472 View Claps

66 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of English history, the execution of King Charles I stands as a pivotal moment that forever altered the course of the nation. Amidst the tumultuous events of the English Civil War, one man emerged as a central figure in the king's downfall: Colonel Thomas Pride.

The Tyrannicide Brief: The Story of the Man Who Sent Charles I to the Scaffold

by Geoffrey Robertson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2306 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	466 pages

Pride's Rise to Power

Born into a Puritan family in 1608, Pride initially worked as a brewer before joining the Parliamentary army in 1642. His bravery and military prowess quickly propelled him through the ranks, earning him the respect of his fellow soldiers and the trust of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England.

Portrait Of Colonel Thomas Pride The Tyrannicide Brief: The Story Of The Man Who Sent Charles I To The Scaffold

The Purge of Parliament

In December 1648, Pride played a decisive role in an event known as "Pride's Purge." Dissatisfied with Parliament's negotiations with the captive king, Cromwell and his supporters Free Downloaded Pride to arrest and exclude any members who supported a compromise. This maneuver purged Parliament of around 140 members, leaving only those who were loyal to the Commonwealth cause.

The King's Trial and Execution

With Parliament firmly in their control, the Commonwealth proceeded to establish a High Court of Justice to try King Charles. Pride was appointed as one of the judges for the historic trial. Despite the king's eloquent defense, he was found guilty of treason and condemned to death.

Depiction Of The Trial Of King Charles I The Tyrannicide Brief: The Story Of The Man Who Sent Charles I To The Scaffold

The Scaffold and Aftermath

On January 30, 1649, King Charles I walked to the scaffold erected outside Whitehall Palace. Pride, along with other soldiers, witnessed the execution. The king's death sent shockwaves throughout England and Europe, deeply dividing the nation.

Pride's role in the execution made him a target of hatred and scorn from the Royalists. He was ridiculed in satirical pamphlets and ballads, and his family was harassed.

Legacy and Redemption

Despite his actions, Pride's reputation has undergone a gradual rehabilitation in recent years. Historians have recognized his courage, dedication to his cause, and the complexities of the political and religious landscape during the English Civil War.

Thomas Pride died in 1658, four years after the death of Oliver Cromwell. His life and actions remain a fascinating and contentious chapter in English history, reminding us of the fragility of power and the profound consequences of betrayal.

In his gripping and extensively researched book, "The Story of the Man Who Sent Charles to the Scaffold," historian John Smith unravels the intricate tapestry of Pride's life and the events leading up to the execution of King Charles I. Through meticulous research and vivid prose, Smith brings to life the characters, the intrigue, and the momentous decisions that shaped the course of English history.

For readers interested in English history, the English Civil War, and the rise and fall of monarchy, "The Story of the Man Who Sent Charles to the Scaffold" is an essential and captivating read. It offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment, shedding light on the complexities of betrayal, loyalty, and the enduring power of history.

The Tyrannicide Brief: The Story of the Man Who Sent Charles I to the Scaffold

by Geoffrey Robertson

4.5 out of 5