Execution of Charles I

Charles I of England was famous for his love of theater and performance. Masques--lengthy performances in which professional actors portrayed chaos while silent noble actors danced to represent the return of order--were a favorite in his court. He was one of the few English kings who appeared on stage as a performer. In 1649, Charles I was faced with execution. He was determined to put his own mark on the proceedings. He turned to the masque tradition to bolster his own authority as God???s elect; he used the scaffold as a stage on which to highlight his successful performance on the throne. According to the official report, at 10:00 in the morning musketeers marched King Charles I from St. James???s; he walked through the Banqueting House and onto an adjoining scaffold. Here, on the site of so many prior performances, Charles engaged the rapt crowd. 'I shall be little heard of anybody here, I shall therefore speak a word unto you here,' he addressed those nearest the scaffold edge, projecting his voice. 'But I think it is my duty to God first and to my country for to clear myself both as an honest man, and a good King, and a good Christian.' After Charles felt satisfied that he had properly narrated his own story he turned to the executioner, directing him as if on stage: 'I shall say but very short prayers, and when I thrust out my hands--' After neatly arranging his hair, Charles went on to briefly close his eyes, clasp his hands upon his chest and, in a dramatic gesture, thrust his arms out before him. And, just as dictated, the ax fell and Charles I ended his final performance at the Banqueting House amid gasps and cheers