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
A sailing boats sinks on its way to Jersey
- The Dewdrop, a brig with two large, square-rigged masts, was badly damaged while sailing from Turk’s Island to Jersey on 3 February 1884.
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Coal-filled steamer strikes the rocks
- A steamer loaded with coal was holed below the waterline when it struck rocks off Jersey's Noirmont Point in 1952.
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Dean of Jersey killed in Mont Orgueil escape attempt
- The Dean of Jersey died when he tried to escape from Mont Orgueil castle by climbing down a rope of knotted bed sheets.
- Read more…
Jersey Chamber of Commerce is founded
- Jersey Chamber of Commerce is the oldest in the Commonwealth, having been founded by shipping magnates in 1768.
- Read more…
