Charles II of England

Charles II (29 May 1630–6 February 1685) was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 30 January 1649 (retrospectively de jure) or 29 May 1660 (de facto) until his death. His father Charles I had been executed in 1649 following the English Civil War; the monarchy was then abolished and the country became a Republic under Oliver Cromwell, the "Lord Protector". In 1660, shortly after Cromwell's death, the monarchy was restored under Charles II.

Related Topics:
29 May - 1630 - 6 February - 1685 - King - England - Scotland - Ireland - 30 January - 1649 - De jure - 1660 - De facto - Charles I - English Civil War - Oliver Cromwell - Lord Protector - Restored

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Unlike his father, Charles II was skilled at managing Parliament. It has often been said that Charles was one of the greatest Kings England has ever seen. It was during his reign that the Whig and Tory political parties developed. He famously fathered numerous illegitimate children, of whom he acknowledged fourteen. Known as the "Merry Monarch", Charles was a patron of the arts and less restrictive than many of his predecessors. By converting to Roman Catholicism on his deathbed, Charles II became the first Roman Catholic to reign over England since the death of Mary I in 1558 and over Scotland since the deposition of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1567.

Related Topics:
Parliament - Whig - Tory - Political parties - Illegitimate - Patron - Roman Catholicism - Mary I - 1558 - Mary, Queen of Scots - 1567

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Charles played his part in the development of football by giving it his royal approval in 1681.

Related Topics:
Football - 1681

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