This Day in History: 1649-08-23

On 23rd August 1649, Cornet Michael Blackburn, who had escaped from the besieged Pontefract Castle with Colonel John Morris, gave a speech immediately before his execution: ‘…I am not a Gentleman by birth, but my Parents are of an honest quality and condition; I was brought up in the Protestant Religion, and in that Religion I have lived, and in that I now die; I have some five or six years engaged in this War, wherein I had no other End or Intention but to do my King true and faithful service…….I have always been faithful to him…and for his Son, the King that now is, I wonder any man of this Kingdom should have the boldness or impudence to lift up his hand against him, to keep him from his Crown whereof he is Heir apparent, and hath as good right and title to it by his Birthright, as any man living hath of his Inheritance or Possession: I pray God bless him, forgive all my enemies, and Lord Jesus receive my Spirit.’ Despite Charles I’s execution, Blackburn’s sentiments did not presage a protectorate, in the eyes of  many, at this stage with executive power lying with The Council of State and legislative functions carried out by the Rump Parliament until 1653. Cromwell was installed as Lord Protector for life on 16th December 1653 and in 1655 the first Protectorate Parliament gave way to a period of military Rule of the Major-Generals.