Today in History
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Today in History |
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January 4, 1642 A Botched Arrest Foils the King |
Charles I was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland in 1642. These were not happy times for the monarchy. A rising Protestant movement and resentment against Charles' belief in the "divine right of kings", along with the levying of taxes without Parliament's consent caused much discontent. On January 4, 1642 Charles entered the House of Commons to arrest five members on charges of high treason. News of the King's actions, however, arrived ahead of him and the targets of his warrant escaped. The attempted arrest caused additional resentment in Parliament and Charles began to fear for his rule. He would soon find himself embroiled in a civil war and would later receive the unique distinction of being the only British monarch ever executed by his own government.
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