The subject of this book came to me when reading an ‘On this day’ website recording the 350th anniversary of John Barkstead, Miles Corbet and John Okey’s execution for their part in the death of Charles I. Okey’s name jumped out at me, as I wrote a little about his Civil War exploits in an earlier work. Wondering what happened to the rest of the killers of the King, and who they all were, led to this book.
I am grateful for the wholehearted encouragement of Andrew Kidd and Gillon Aitken, my literary agents, to pursue the topic. Also to Michael Fishwick, Anna Simpson and their colleagues at Bloomsbury, for their enthusiasm for it all.
My wife, Karen, has been the most intelligent and receptive of sounding boards, enduring my passion for this subject with grace and humour, and always giving superb advice.
Final thanks to the extremely brave men who put a defeated and distrusted king on trial, and saw through what they sincerely believed had to be done. Charles I had many personal qualities – many of which he displayed at his noble and dignified end – but I believe he was, in his final years, an execrable ruler. It is striking how many fascinating and notable figures colluded to end his life. They deserve, in my view, to be remembered with respect for their sacrifices: this book is my tribute to them.