Charles I vest from 1649 execution to go on display - complete with stains
The monarch, who was on the throne for 24 years, was found guilty of treason and executed in London on 30 January 1649.
Thursday 30 January 2020 19:14, UK
The vest King Charles I was wearing when he was beheaded nearly 400 years ago is going on display on the anniversary of his death.
The monarch, who was on the throne for 24 years, was found guilty of treason and executed outside Banqueting House in Whitehall, London, on 30 January 1649.
The vest he was said to be wearing on the day of his death has stains on its front, which "could be sweat, vomit or another substance".
Following his decapitation, Charles was undressed and several items of clothing were given to people who had watched the execution.
The vest was given to the Museum of London in 1925 with a note of authentication attached, stating it was worn by Charles I on the day he was beheaded.
The note also said the garment, made from fine, high-quality, pale blue-green silk, was handed to the physician who attended him.
The museum also holds other items said to be from Charles's execution, such as gloves, fragments of a cloak and a handkerchief.
The items are set to go on display in an exhibition exploring public execution in London's history through the stories, objects and legacies of those that lived, died and witnessed events from 1196 to 1868.
Curator Meriel Jeater said: "It's important to remember that public executions were not reserved only for the distinguished, but that thousands of ordinary Londoners were sentenced to death for many types of crime, from the most serious offences to those that we would consider minor today.
"The exhibition covers nearly 700 years, a time when public executions were more frequent in London than any other town, attracting huge crowds several times a year at locations across the capital."
She added that public executions "became embedded in the landscape and culture of London" and had an influence on people's everyday lives.
"Hints of this uncomfortable past can still be seen in the city's streets today and Executions will allow visitors to explore this grim but fascinating aspect of London's history through a major exhibition for the first time," Ms Jeater continued.
Executions opens on 16 October at the Museum of London.