. For the third time Bradshaw ordered the removal of the prisoner. Clearly, the King had addressed with considerable effectiveness the weakness of the proceedings: their dependence on the army which surrounded the hall and their departure from established courts and laws. What followed took place in the King's absence. Thirty-three witnesses were heard by an appointed committee comprising some only of the "judges" who assembled for that purpose on 24 and 25 January 1849. Their depositions were then read out at a public session of the entire court sitting in the Painted Chamber. On 26 January 1849, sixty-two of the Commissioners re-assembled and the draft sentence was produced, condemning the King as "tyrant traitor, murderer and a public enemy to be put to death by the severing of his head from his body" 26 . On the following day sixty-eight of the Commissioners re-assembled, the sentence being produced. They agreed that, if the King were to make a last-minute submission to the jurisdiction of the Court, they would adjourn to consider what should be done. Meanwhile an element of urgency had entered into the proceedings. Diplomatic representations were hurriedly being made from Europe for the life of the King. The King's friends were seeking to persuade the Lord General, Thomas Fairfax, head of the army, to find a compromise. This was a most uncongenial prospect for the committed republicans. The London crowds were becoming restive at the reports of the King's plucky defence and his appeal to upholding their basic liberties. Rumours of armed incursions from Europe were spreading throughout London. THE VERDICT & SENTENCE On Saturday 27 January 1649, to signify the solemnity of the occasion on which the punishment of death would be pronounced, Bradshaw for the first time was dressed in scarlet robes. As the King was brought in the soldiers shouted once again for justice and some for execution. There was uproar in the Hall at the appearance...
