The execution of Charles I
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why Charles I was executed for treason.
Key learning points
- After the First English Civil War, Parliament and the New Model Army began trusting each other less
- Charles encouraged Scotland to wage war with England, which was seen as a betrayal
- 'Pride's Purge' was when MPs who were sympathetic to the king were not allowed to enter Parliament
- 'Rump Parliament' put Charles I on trial for treason
- Charles was executed by beheading on 30 January 1649
Keywords
Treason - treason is a serious crime which involves hurting your country or government
New Model Army - the New Model Army fought for the Parliamentarians, and against the Royalists, during the English Civil War
Regicide - regicide is the act of killing a monarch
Martyr - a martyr is a person who died for their beliefs and is respected because of that
Purge - getting rid of things you don’t agree with can be called a purge
Common misconception
Parliament fought both Civil Wars to remove Charles I from power
The majority of people in Parliament wanted to change how Charles I behaved but only a minority wanted to remove the king from power.
Teacher tip
In learning cycle 3, you could begin by asking students if they think the source was just reporting events or acting as propaganda (trying to persuade). Ask students to identify details from the source which can justify their answer.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True of false? England’s Civil War split many families.
Q2.Write the missing word. People with very strict Protestant beliefs were known as _______.
Q3.Which English side did Scotland’s army support during the Civil War?
Q4.Who surrendered in 1646, bringing an end to conflict in England?
Q5.Why did Parliamentarian propaganda say people should not support the Royalists?
Q6.Why must historians be careful when using propaganda as a source?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match up each of the key words with its correct definition.
a person who died for their beliefs and is respected
getting rid of things you don’t agree with
the act of killing a monarch
Q2.Who purged Parliament in 1648?
Q3.Starting with the earliest, sort these events into chronological order.
Q4.How did the pamphlet "Pretended Judges" describe the regicide of Charles I?
Q5.When did the New Model Army begin calling Charles I ‘that man of blood’?
Q6.Select two examples which show the trial of Charles I lacked support from many people.
To help you plan your 8 history lesson on: The execution of Charles I, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 history lesson on: The execution of Charles I, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The English Civil War: what can pamphlets tell us about 17th century politics? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.