Charles I

Charles I was born on 19 November 1600 at Dunfermline Palace in Scotland and became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland on 27 March 1625 following the death of his father, James I. His reign was marked by conflict with Parliament over issues such as taxation and the divine right of kings. His religious policies and marriage to a Roman Catholic, Henrietta Maria of France, further alienated him from his Protestant subjects. His attempt to impose Anglican practices on Scotland triggered the Bishops’ Wars and strengthened parliamentary positions in both England and Scotland.

During the English Civil War, Charles’s forces were defeated by the Parliamentarian New Model Army, leading to his capture, trial, and execution for high treason on 30 January 1649. His death resulted in the temporary abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England. His son, Charles II, was restored to the throne in 1660.