Regicide in the Family

This engaging family history explores the story of John Dixwell, one of the judges who signed the death warrant of King Charles I and fled to New England to escape reprisals. The author, inspired by a family heirloom—a key to Dover Castle once belonging to Dixwell—recalls her decades of research across England, New England, and her own family tree. Through this journey, she uncovers the lives and feelings of those who held the key to one of history’s most pivotal moments, blending personal discovery with broader historical insights.