Charles II

Charles II, (1630-85), King of England, b. St James's Palace, London.

The son of Charles I, Charles was in France when his father was beheaded. He returned to Scotland and was crowned King of Scotland on 1 January, 1651. Then he led an army into England but was defeated at Worcester on 3 September by Cromwell's forces.

Afterwards he hid from pursuers for forty-four days, and finally escaped to France from Shoreham, Sussex.

Cromwell died in 1658, and two years later Charles was asked to return as King. He was a popular ruler and was nicknamed the 'Merry Monarch'.

Under Cromwell theaters were banned. Charles lifted the ban and two splendid new theaters were built in London.

He reigned at the time of the Great Plague (1665) and the Great Fire of London (1666).

See Antonia Fraser King Charles II