The National Archives Civil War
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Find out more from the original sources:

Death of Charles I
1. Death of Charles I
New government
2. New government

Why did Britain become a republic?

LR2/124; inventory of goods, 1651

The period 1647-53 was a very significant time in British history. Charles I was finally defeated. In 1649 he was put to death, leaving the country a republic, without a monarch to lead it.

This document is one of many that give us clues about those times. A document like this would have left most people speechless. Have a closer look at it and the other original sources.

Background

Key people & events

Your challenge

Imagine you were living through these extraordinary years. How would you explain such changes and events to people who hadn’t lived in England in a while?

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