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Confessions of Charles I's executioner

1649

Confessions of Charles I's executioner

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    On 4 January 1649, the Commons passed an ordinance to set up a High Court of Justice to try Charles I for high treason in the name of the people of England. Despite the Lords rejecting it, Charles was convicted with 59 Commissioners signing his death warrant. Charles refused to answer the charges, arguing that he did not recognise the authority of the High Court, but he was found guilty and sentenced to death on 27 January 1649. The King was beheaded on a scaffold outside the Banqueting House at Whitehall on 30 January. Whilst Richard Brandon was the Common Hangman of London in 1649, it is debatable as to whether he beheaded Charles I as his identity was concealed on the scaffold and his confession published posthumously.

     

    Shelfmark: E.561.(14)

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    Confessions of Charles I's executioner

    THE CONFESSION OF Richard Brandon

     

    The Hangman (upon his Death bed) concerning His beheading his late Majesty, C H A R L E S the first, Kind of the Great Brittain; and his Protestation and Vow touching the same; the manner how he was terrified in Conscience; the Apparitions and Visions which appeared unto him; the great judgment that befell him three dayes before he dy'd; and the manner how he was carryed to White-Chappell Churchyard on Thursday night last; the strange Actions that happened thereupon; With the merry conceits of the Crowne Cook and his providing mourning Cords for the Buriall.

     

    Printed in the year Year, of the Hang-mans down-fall, 1649.

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