Politics - Monarchs - Charles II 1660-1685

Charles II

Years of reign

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House: Stuart

Born: May 29, 1630 St James's Palace

Died: February 6, 1685  Whitehall

Crowned: January 1, 1651

Buried: Westminster Abbey

Charles II was king of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1660 to 1685. He was the son of Charles I, who was executed in 1649 following the English Civil War. Charles II was exiled in Europe during the Commonwealth period, but was restored to the throne in 1660 as part of the Restoration, which restored the monarchy and the Anglican Church after the Puritan Commonwealth. During his reign, Charles II faced multiple political and economic challenges, including the Great Plague of London and the Great Fire of London. He also struggled to maintain control over his kingdoms, and his policies led to conflicts with parliament. Despite these difficulties, Charles II is remembered as a patron of the arts and sciences, and his reign is often considered a time of cultural and intellectual revival.

Timeline

  • 29 May 1630: Charles II is born in London, England. He is the second son of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria.
  • 1642: The English Civil War begins between Charles I and parliament.
  • 1649: Charles I is executed, and England becomes a Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. Charles II goes into exile in Europe.
  • 1660: The English Restoration begins, and Charles II is invited to return to England and take the throne.
  • 29 May 1660: Charles II is crowned King of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
  • 1665-1666: The Great Plague of London and the Great Fire of London occur.
  • 1670: Charles II enters into the Treaty of Dover, which allies England with France against the Netherlands.
  • 1679-1681: The Exclusion Crisis occurs, as parliament tries to exclude Charles II's Catholic brother James from the succession.
  • 1685: Charles II dies in London on 6 February and is succeeded by his brother James II.
  • 1660-1685: Charles II reigns as King of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

II's reign was marked by several significant events and issues. Some of the main ones include:

Placeholder imageCharles The Restoration: Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, after the Commonwealth period that followed the execution of his father, Charles I. The Restoration brought an end to the Puritan Commonwealth and the return of the Anglican Church.

The Great Plague of London and the Great Fire of London: Both of these events occurred in 1665 and 1666, respectively. The Great Plague killed an estimated 100,000 people in London, while the Great Fire destroyed much of the city. These events had a significant impact on the country and the king's reputation.

Political and religious conflicts: Charles II struggled to maintain control over his kingdoms and his policies led to conflicts with parliament. He also faced opposition from religious groups, particularly the nonconformists (Protestants who did not conform to the Church of England).

Economic difficulties: Charles II inherited a country that was heavily in debt from the wars of his father and the Commonwealth period. He struggled to find ways to raise money, which led to conflicts with parliament and the imposition of unpopular taxes.

Foreign policy: Charles II's foreign policy was marked by his alliance with France, which led to conflicts with other European powers, particularly the Netherlands.

Science and culture: Despite the difficulties of his reign, Charles II is remembered as a patron of the arts and sciences. He supported the Royal Society, which was founded during his reign, and encouraged the growth of the sciences and the arts.

Overall, Charles II's reign was marked by many challenges, including political, economic and religious conflicts, but it also saw a cultural and intellectual revival.

Reference: Article by Greg Scott (Staff Historian), 2024

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