17th February 1680
Man convicted of killing Charles I dies in Elizabeth Castle
James Temple had been one of the judges in the trial of Charles I, and his was one of the 59 signatures on the king’s death warrant. When the monarchy was restored following Cromwell’s death, he tried to leave the country, but was captured on his way to Ireland.
Despite his signature appearing on the king’s death warrant, he claimed at his own trial that he had begged Cromwell to spare the king’s life. Thus, Temple’s life was spared in return and he was sent to Jersey to be detained, first at Mont Orgueil, and latterly at Elizabeth Castle, where he died, 31 years to the day after Charles II had been declared king less than a mile away.
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Other events that occured in February
Courts decide who owns St Aubin’s railway
- A dispute over who owned a railway line resulted in a Clameur de Haro and the risk that the States would claim ownership itself.
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Jersey Chamber of Commerce is founded
- Jersey Chamber of Commerce is the oldest in the Commonwealth, having been founded by shipping magnates in 1768.
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Jersey screenwriter William Rose dies
- Screenwriter William Rose wrote or contributed to some of the biggest films in British cinema, and was nominated for several awards.
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Jersey author John Lemprière dies
- Lempriere's Bibliotheca Classica, published in 1788, was considered a standard text and definitive reference on classical mythology.
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