Charles II

Charles IICharles II of England remains one of the most easily identifiable and best known of England's monarchs. Deprived of his throne following the execution of his father, he contended with hardship and exile before achieving a peaceful restoration and the beginning of what would be remembered as a colorful period of English history. His reign includes some of the most iconic moments such as the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666. But it was also significant. It led to the creation of the two-party system that would shape English and later British politics for centuries to come. Charles' attempts to secure independence for himself from the restrictions of Parliament would also lay the groundwork for a fundamental shift in the English constitution.

Inside you will read about... The Young Prince and His Lovers
Exile and Charles I's Execution
Charles as King
War, Plague, and Fire
The Exclusion Crisis
And much more!

Fondly remembered in history as the "Merry Monarch," Charles II remains one of England's most popular and iconic monarchs.