The 354th Anniversary of the King's execution took place on Thursday 30th January from 2 pm for 2:30 pm in the King Charles I Room, Kidderminster Town Hall, hosted by President Pete Guy.
It was a very cold day, and a hardy band of Old Carolians gathered for the annual wreath-laying ceremony. The Rev Alice Goodman began by observing that it was taking place at the very time of day of the execution as well as the anniversary of it. She reminded the congregation of the background to the King's trial and execution, quoting from a contemporary poem describing it:
'He nothing common did, or mean,
Upon that memorable scene,
But with his keener eye
The Axe's edge did try;
Nor call'd the Gods with vulgar spite
To vindicate his helpless Right
But bow'd his comely head
Down, as upon a bed.'
Before laying the wreath at the Association's commemorative plaque, the President quoted some of the last words spoken by the King before going to his death with his legendary bravery: 'I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible crown...'
The Rev Alice Goodman concluded the ceremony by reading a collect for the day, after which Cllr Stokes invited those present to refreshments in the Mayor's Parlour.