Charles I's Blood Promised Protection

On January 30, 1649, many people gathered at Whitehall in London for King Charles I's execution but didn't believe that officials would actually behead him. They viewed the king as semi-divine, making his death almost unthinkable. After the axe fell, members of the stunned crowd rushed forward and dipped clothing and handkerchiefs in his blood, believing its magical properties would protect them from future illness or disaster.

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