Louis XVI was 'brave' on the scaffold, wrote executioner
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The last words of King Louis XVI - uttered only moments before a revolutionary guillotine removed his head - have come to light, more than 200 years after the monarch's ignominious death in Paris.
Although one of the most significant events at the dawn of the modern period of European history, Louis's execution for high treason has long been overshadowed by the beheading nine months later of his beautiful wife, Marie Antoinette.
Now, a first-hand account by a witness who should know better than anyone else - the monarch's executioner, Charles Henri Sanson - has come to light. Sanson, chief executioner in Paris during the bloody years of the French Revolution, penned a letter to convey what he called "the exact truth of what happened" weeks after he had presided over the beheading on 21 January 1793.
Writing to a revolutionary newspaper, Sanson - who oversaw nearly 3,000 executions - said Louis had shown considerable bravery and calmness of mind.
The Sanson manuscript is being auctioned by Christie's in June, and will be displayed between 30 May and 7 June in London. The letter is expected to sell for between £80,000 and £120,000.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments