Annual Commemoration of the Execution of King Charles I

On Saturday January 30, 1649, King Charles I was publicly executed outside Banqueting House, on Whitehall, by the Parliamentarians.

On Sunday January 25, 2026, the English Civil War Society held its annual commemoration of the illegal execution of King Charles I, by the Parliament, for the 54th time.

The costumed march of over 200 volunteers armed with muskets, pikes, swords and cannons began on The Mall, near St James's Palace, at 11:30 and made its way to Horse Guards Parade ground.

It was here that a religious drumhead service was held, a Colour was trooped and blessed, the Oath of Loyalty was administered and awards and commissions were presented. 

The wreath was then blessed and trooped around the whole army, before the honour guard took it and fixed it to the railings of Banqueting House, on Whitehall, bringing the ceremony to a close.

The official policy of the King's Army is to never refer to it as an execution as this infers a legal act, which this was not. 

Walking with family: Green Park to Horse Guards Parade... and beyond

The Annual Commemoration of the Execution of King Charles I.

Sunday January 25, 2026: 

Cloudy with light rain, with winds at 4 mph. 

7°C (44.6°F)

It was a chilly morning as Keilyn and I climbed into my uncle Martin's car for the short drive to Croxley station. My mum was already in the car, having been picked up first.

After the car was parked we made our way to the southbound platform and waited for our train. It was a Harrow-on-the-Hill-bound train, meaning that we would have to change to a Baker Street-bound train there. We took this train to Finchley Road, where we boarded a Jubilee line train the few stops to Green Park.

On leaving the station we entered Green Park and made our way down towards The Mall and St James's Park. We stopped to grab a hot drink from the Marlborough Gate kiosk, at which point a fine rain began to fall. With mum and Martin taking shelter beside the kiosk, Keilyn and I decided to go for a wander.

The old guard on leaving Buckingham Palace.

We crossed the Blue Bridge, passed the St James's Park drinking fountain and made our way onto Birdcage Walk. We then headed west, passing the barracks, before turning onto Spur Road and making our way to the corner of The Mall. It was from here that we watched the Guards marching by, having just completed the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. After they had passed us we continued along The Mall and found mum and Martin, with the slight rain finally stopping.

The King's Army of the English Civil War Society getting ready to march.

Along the north side of The Mall the King's Army of the English Civil War Society were mustering in preparation for their march. Small cannons, horses and all manner of weapons were being cleaned, groomed and inspected. 

Walking alone: Charing Cross to Vauxhall Bridge... and beyond

Thursday November 7, 2024.

After having rested my leg for a few days I was itching to get back to London. So I decided to plan a route, instead of just winging it, as usual, so that I didn't end up walking too far. It was a great idea, but I knew that it didn't stand a chance when I got to London.

My journey began much like most others: a taxi to Watford Underground station from where I caught a train to Baker Street, changed to a Bakerloo line train to Charing Cross and exited beside Trafalgar Square.

My first stop was at the statue of King Charles I, which stands on a small traffic island at the northern end of Whitehall. Before this statue was erected here the space was occupied by the original Queen Eleanor's Cross, a replica of which now stands outside Charing Cross station. It is from this statue of King Charles I that all mileages from London are measured.

From here I headed down Whitehall and onto Parliament Street, where cleaners were busy cleaning paving slabs and curbstones, while others polished the brass on the Women of World War II memorial. Police cars and vans were in abundance as various services were going on, ahead of the Remembrance Day services on Sunday.

I crossed Bridge Street and continued south along Abingdon Street and onto Millbank, before heading west along Horseferry Road. A left down Marsham Road an then right onto Page Street, followed, I spotted a cafe at the corner, but the queue was halfway down Regency Street. So, I turned south down Regency Street and then turned right onto Vincent Street, in search of a fireplace.

As I was taking a photo of said fireplace one of the residents of the private building, next door, stopped to talk to me about it. He explained that the houses along this side of the street had been heavily damaged by bombs, during World War II. The wall containing the fireplace was still sturdy and acted as a support for the nearby properties, so was left standing.He went on to explain that it wasn't the only remaining feature of the old houses and, ushering me through the security gate, proceeded to show me more of the surviving wall and its features. With plenty of photos taken I bade him farewell, thanking him for his time, and continued on my walk.

Heading south, along Vincent Square, I soon found myself on Vauxhall Bridge Road, which I followed east, still in search of a cafe.