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
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…
Charles II is declared king in Royal Square
- King Charles II fled to Jersey after the death of Charles I and was declared monarch in the island's Royal Square in 1649.
- Read more…
Jersey appoints its first postmaster
- Charles William Le Geyt was Jersey’s first postmaster and remained in the role for 20 years, until he was in his 80s.
- 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…
