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The Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon is commemorating the 370th anniversary of the trial and execution of Charles I – the first time in European history that a monarch’s own subjects had deposed them in such a way – with a new exhibit and special event.

The museum’s new display, called ‘Cruel Necessity? – The Trial and Execution of Charles I’ looks at the trial and execution of the king in January 1649, including the chance to see rarely displayed items from the museum’s collections and a newly acquired portrait of Charles which is now being shown for the first time.

The display will examine the reasons for the trial and Cromwell’s involvement in it. Tickets are also selling out quickly for the very unusual event to be staged by the Cromwell Museum. Tomorrow and Saturday (February 8 and 9), the museum will be staging dramatized performances recreating the tumultuous events of the trial of King Charles

I in January 1649, to be held in the atmospheric surroundings of one of the historic courtrooms in Huntingdon Town Hall. Working with members of the Sealed Knot historical re-enactment society, and using original trial records from the Parliamentary Archives, the Museum has produced an edited and dramatized version of the trial, which will be recreated with all the key figures including King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell being played by amateur actors. Performances will be staged during the daytime on Friday for schools who are studying the period, then on Friday evening and during the day on Saturday as ticketed shows for the general public. Demand has been such that an additional performance has been added – a matinee for the general public on Friday at 12.30pm Stuart Orme, Curator of the Cromwell Museum says : “The trial of Charles I is one of the most dramatic events in our history, when a monarch was put on trial by his Parliament. It raises questions about the nature of justice, freedom and democracy that we are still wrestling with today, and we hope that our new display and this very special event will bring these to life for people.” Performances will last about 70 minutes and tickets are £7 each, and can be booked via the Cromwell Museum or online via the Museum’s website or at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ the-trial-of-charles-itickets-53859491188. For more details, visit the museum’s website at www. cromwellmuseum.org or call 01480 708008.