Charles II(1630–1685), king of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1660–1685)

The Great PlagueThe Great Fire of London

Introduction• Born on 29 May, 1630 in London• Ascended to the throne on 29 May, 1660

aged 30 years• Crowned on 23 April, 1661 at

Westminster Abbey• Died on 6 February, 1685 in London• Buried at Westminster Abbey• Succeeded by his brother James II• Charles II was a Protestant but converted

to Catholicism on his deathbed

The Family of Charles II

• Father: Charles I (ruled 1625-1649)

• Mother: Henrietta Maria of France• Brother: James II (ruled 1685-1688)

• Wife: Catherine of Braganza• Children: about 17 illegitimate

children by at least 13 different mistresses

Charles II: The Merry Monarch• Loved life and women

• Loved parties, games, and witty conversation

• Supported the arts, science, and entertainment

• People once again danced, enjoyed sports, and theater

• Reopened pubs

• Was a keen sportsman

• Many new buildings were built

Charles II: The Restoration• 1660 Parliament restored the

monarchy under Charles I’s son, Charles II.

• He pledged to observe the Magna Carta and Petition of Right

• Charles II`s return called the “Restoration”

• The rise of the great political parties

• The advance of colonization and trade

• The great progress of England as a sea power

The Great Plague (1665-1666)• The last major outbreak

of the plague in England• The Black Death• King Charles left the

city• Over 100 000 people

died in and around London

• About 400 000 dogs and 200 000 cats were cilled

The Great Fire of London

1666

• Began on the night of September 2, 1666• At this time, London was built of wood• Only 6 people died• Approximately 80% of the city was destroyed• The only positive effect: the Great Plague diminished

gretly• Charles II decided to redesign the city

Sources

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_II_of_England

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Plague_of_London

• http://www.historyonthent.com/Stuarts/great_fire.htm

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