March 27, 2020 -- Born in Fife, Scotland, on November 19, 1600, the second son born to James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark, Charles I ascended to the throne in 1625. His reign was marked by religious and political strife that led to civil war. The opposing force, led by Oliver Cromwell, defeated Charles's royalist forces and the king was beheaded in London, England, on January 30, 1649.