Thomas Chaloner (regicide) facts for kids
Thomas Chaloner (born 1595, died 1661) was an English politician. He was involved in a very important event in English history: the trial of King Charles I. Chaloner was one of the people who signed the document that led to the King's death.
Who Was Thomas Chaloner?
Thomas Chaloner was born in 1595 in a place called Steeple Claydon in Buckinghamshire, England. His father was also named Sir Thomas Chaloner, and he worked for the royal court.
A Big Trial
In January 1649, Thomas Chaloner and his younger brother, James Chaloner, were part of a special group. This group was made up of 135 people chosen to be judges for a very important trial. They were part of the court that tried King Charles I.
After the trial, Thomas Chaloner signed the paper that ordered the King's death. His brother, James, did not sign this paper. This was a huge moment in English history.
Life After the King's Trial
Years later, in 1660, the monarchy (the system with a king or queen) was brought back to England. This was called the Restoration. Charles II became the new king.
When King Charles II came back, a special law was passed called the Indemnity and Oblivion Act. This law offered a general pardon to many people. However, Thomas Chaloner was not included in this pardon. He was seen as having committed a very serious crime against the king.
To avoid being put on trial, Thomas Chaloner left England. He went to a place called Middelburg in the Netherlands. He passed away there in 1661.
