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ARCHDIOCESE OF KING CHARLES I OF ENGLAND THE MARTYR
King Charles the First, is the only Saint Canonised by the English Church since the Reformation. It has been said that, had he been willing to give up Episcopacy and consent to the destruction of the Church of England, he could have saved his throne and his life. King Charles was an affectionate father and a faithful and loving husband. virtues not commonly found among Kings in those days. He was devout and punctilious in the performance of his religious duties He never failed to have part of the Liturgy read to him before he sat down to dinner. Like all men he sinned, but he repented sincerely of his sins. Although his political views are now discredited, he was an honourable man who loved his country. After his execution, he was buried in St. George's Chapel at Windsor. King Charles was formally canonised by the Church of England sometime after the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, and was known as King Charles the Martyr.
A form of service was drawn up for the Canonisation of Saints by the Church of England, but this was withdrawn by Royal Warrant in 1859. (during the long reign of Queen Victoria). At least five Churches were built and dedicated to King Charles in the seventeenth century. The feast day of King Charles the Martyr is the 30th January.
illustrations: (click to enlarge)
Below left: King Charles on his way to his execution 30th January 1648
Below right: The Death Warrant of King Charles the First of England
