Charles II of England
Charles II | |
---|---|
King of England, Scotland, and Ireland | |
Reign | 29 May 1660 – 6 February 1685 |
Coronation | 23 April 1661 |
Predecessor | Charles I |
Successor | James II |
Born | 29 May 1630 St James's Palace, London, England |
Died | 6 February 1685 (aged 54) Whitehall Palace, London, England |
Burial | |
Spouse | Catherine of Braganza |
Issue | James Scott, Duke of Monmouth (illegitimate) and others |
House | House of Stuart |
Father | Charles I of England |
Mother | Henrietta Maria of France |
Charles II (29 May 1630 – 6 February 1685) was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He was the eldest surviving son of Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France. His reign marked the Restoration period, following the Interregnum after the English Civil War and the execution of his father.
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Charles was born at St James's Palace in London. During the English Civil War, he was forced to flee to mainland Europe after the defeat of the Royalist forces. He spent his exile in various locations, including France, the Dutch Republic, and the Spanish Netherlands.
Restoration[edit | edit source]
In 1660, following the collapse of the Protectorate under Richard Cromwell, Charles was invited to return to England and was restored to the throne. His return marked the beginning of the Restoration period. He was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 23 April 1661.
Reign[edit | edit source]
Charles II's reign was marked by several significant events, including the Great Plague of London (1665–1666) and the Great Fire of London (1666). His foreign policy included involvement in the Second Anglo-Dutch War and the Third Anglo-Dutch War. Domestically, his reign saw the passage of the Clarendon Code and the Test Act.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Charles II married Catherine of Braganza in 1662, but the marriage produced no legitimate heirs. He had numerous mistresses and illegitimate children, the most notable being James Scott, Duke of Monmouth.
Death and Succession[edit | edit source]
Charles II died on 6 February 1685 at Whitehall Palace and was succeeded by his brother, James II. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Charles II is remembered for his lively court and the cultural flourishing that occurred during his reign, often referred to as the Merry Monarch period. His reign also saw the establishment of the Royal Society.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- English Civil War
- Restoration (England)
- Great Plague of London
- Great Fire of London
- James II of England
- House of Stuart
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