---

On 30th January 1649 Charles I was executed on a specially constructed scaffold outside the Banqueting House, Whitehall. He had spent his final few hours inside Whitehall Palace and walked across the Banqueting Hall and stepped out of a window on to the scaffold.

We are currently commemorating this extraordinary moment in history with a small display close to the spot where Charles stepped out on the scaffold. The display tells in outline the story of the events leading up to his execution through a series of banners which visitors are able to read as they climb the stairs to the main Banqueting Hall.

Under the magnificent full length portrait of Charles I by Daniel Mytens a short emotive film shows Charles’s final few hours when he burned his private papers, bid farewell to his youngest children and said his prayers. 

The display is a permanent addition to the Banqueting House and complements the audio-guide and introductory film already on offer.