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.
FREE Jersey history newsletter
Don't miss our weekly update on Jersey's fascinating history. We promise never to sell your data to anyone else, and there's a super-easy unsubscribe link on the bottom of each email so you can leave whenever you want.
Other events that occured in February
A cargo ship sinks, killing its crew
- A 565-ton cargo ship was wrecked on Jersey's coast, and although the some of the crew mad it to the lifeboats, they were capsized.
- Read more…
Lillie Langtry is buried in her parents’ tomb
- Jersey-born Lillie Langtry was a true celebrity, dating royals and starring on the stage, but she never forgot her roots.
- Read more…
The States Assembly opts for English
- English was permitted for use in States debates for the first time in 1900, alongside the established French.
- Read more…
Jersey’s courts are criticised for leaving a man in limbo
- A man was left in limbo for two years after being accused of rape but unable to face a court to argue his case.
- Read more…
