The execution of Charles I at Whitehall on 30 January 1649, was a seismic moment in British History. The following decade was a time of extraordinarily ambitious political innovation when England became a republic and Oliver Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth from 1653 until he died in 1658. Nothing would ever be the same again.
The British Civil Wars fractured people’s lives, tearing families apart and as Francis chose to fight for Parliament, his brothers chose to fight for the King.
Francis was a member of the militia committee for Leicestershire and bravely played a part in the defence of Leicester. He was a leading cavalry commander at the Battle of Willoughby Field in 1648. As one of Cromwell’s trusted supporters, he commanded the cavalry at the Battle of Dunbar and escorted Scots prisoners on their march from Dunbar to Durham. He was so coveted by the Royalist army that they offered Francis his own command if he would change sides.
But it is Hacker’s important role in commanding the soldiers who escorted King Charles I to and from Westminster Hall during his trial, that earned him such a coveted place in history. He kept the Death Warrant in his safekeeping for 11 years, signed the order to the executioner and was present on the scaffold when King Charles I had his head removed from his body.
On the return of the monarchy, Francis was tried and convicted for the part he played in the execution of Charles I. He paid the ultimate price and was hanged from the Tyburn gallows on Tuesday 19th October 1660.
But did he get a fair trial?
This time, you will hear the evidence, learn about the events leading up to the trial of Colonel Francis Hacker, witness the trial itself, become judge and jury and then cast your verdict.
What will You Decide this time?