Charles II of England

NAME Charles II of England. 

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Known as the "Merry Monarch," Charles II is famous for his restoration to the English throne in 1660 after a period of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell. His reign marked the Restoration era, a time of lively cultural revival, political intrigue, and the re-establishment of the monarchy following the English Civil War.

BIRTH Charles II was born on May 29, 1630, in St. James's Palace, London, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Charles II was the son of King Charles I of England and Henrietta Maria of France. He was part of the House of Stuart, a royal family with Scottish origins. His father, Charles I, was executed in 1649 during the English Civil War, an event that deeply impacted his early life and future reign.

Charles was called by Parliament the Son of the Last as they thought his father would be the last King of England. 

CHILDHOOD Charles grew up in a tumultuous time, marked by civil war and political unrest. He was just 12 years old when the English Civil War broke out in 1642, and he spent much of his youth in exile in France and the Dutch Republic after his father's execution. These years in exile were formative, teaching him valuable lessons in diplomacy, negotiation, and survival.

Portrait by William Dobson, c. 1642 or 1643

EDUCATION Charles II received an informal education while in exile. He was tutored in classical languages, history, and politics by scholars and courtiers loyal to the royal family. His time abroad also exposed him to continental European culture, including the arts and sciences.

The philosopher Thomas Hobbes had an informal role in the education of Charles II, primarily offering intellectual guidance and philosophical discussions rather than formal teaching. Hobbes, known for his political philosophy and scientific interests, was not officially designated as a tutor but was more of an intellectual companion to the future king during his time in exile.

CAREER RECORD 1649: Fled to France after the execution of his father.

1651: Briefly returned to England to claim the throne but was defeated at the Battle of Worcester and forced to flee again.

1660: Returned to England and was restored to the throne.

1665: Faced the Great Plague of London.

1666: Faced the Great Fire of London.

1685: Died at the age of 54.

APPEARANCE Charles II was a tall man, standing at approximately 6 feet tall. He had a robust build, which later in life became somewhat heavier.

Charles had a dark complexion, often described as "sable hue." His natural hair was dark and reached his shoulders. However, as he aged, he began to lose hair and used wigs to conceal the thinning patches.

Charles's face was deeply lined, even at a relatively young age. This was likely due to a combination of factors, including his stressful childhood and his later hedonistic lifestyle.

His physical appearance was often described as charismatic, with a lively expression and a commanding presence that endeared him to many of his subjects.

Portrait by John Riley, c. 1683–1684

FASHION Charles II was a trendsetter in his time, known for his elegant and flamboyant style. He popularized the "Charles II periwig," a long, flowing wig that became fashionable in the Restoration court. His attire often featured luxurious fabrics and elaborate designs, reflecting his taste for opulence.

Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist, recorded in his diary on October 8, 1666, that King Charles II had introduced the waistcoat as part of court dress. Pepys noted that the king had resolved to establish "a fashion for clothes which he will never alter," referring specifically to a "long cassocke close to the body, of black cloth and pinked with white silk under it." This was an effort by Charles II to promote a more modest and English style of dress, in contrast to the elaborate and extravagant French fashions of the time. Thus, the waistcoat became an important element in men's clothing, marking a shift towards a more restrained style.

Charles had a particular fondness for lace, especially lace cravats and collars. He was once reported to have paid over £20 for a new lace cravat.

Charles was known to wear Persian coats underneath his waistcoats and lace cravats.

When Charles was forced to flee England after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, he adopted a disguise to avoid capture. He had his hair cut short, smeared his face with walnut juice, and wore green breeches.

CHARACTER Charles II was a complex figure, known for his wit, charm, and affability. He was shrewd, pragmatic, and adaptable, qualities that helped him survive the turbulent political climate of his era. He was a capable ruler who skillfully navigated the challenges of his reign. However, Charles was also known for his hedonistic lifestyle and his tendency to favor his friends and mistresses over his family.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Charles II was renowned for his sharp wit and sense of humor. He loved jokes, banter, and clever wordplays. His humor helped him maintain popularity, even when his decisions were controversial.

Charles II often regaled his courtiers with tales from his own life, much to their amusement and sometimes their annoyance. While his stories could be entertaining, courtiers who had heard them countless times would often seek excuses to escape, hoping to avoid another lengthy recitation. Interestingly, Charles's departure from a room often had a brightening effect, perhaps due to the relief his courtiers felt at no longer having to endure his storytelling.

Charles was known for his quick wit and ability to adapt to social situations. A famous anecdote involves his encounter with William Penn, the founder of the Quaker movement. Penn, a staunch advocate for religious equality, refused to remove his hat in the presence of royalty. When Penn met Charles II, he maintained his hat, a bold gesture that defied traditional etiquette. Charles, rather than taking offense, removed his own hat. When Penn inquired about this unexpected action, Charles replied that it was his custom for only one person to wear a hat in the King's presence. This witty response demonstrated Charles's ability to defuse a potentially tense situation with humor and diplomacy.

RELATIONSHIPS  In 1645, Catherine de Braganza's father, King John IV of Portugal, proposed her marriage to the then Prince Charles. Prim and proper, quiet but fiery, the princess came with a substantial dowry. The ceremony was held on May 21, 1662, in Portsmouth, following the restoration. To accommodate both Catholic and Anglican traditions, two ceremonies were conducted: a private Catholic service followed by a public Anglican one.

Charles was far from a faithful husband. He had numerous mistresses throughout his reign, earning him the nickname "Old Rowley" after a notorious stallion. One of his most famous mistresses was Nell Gwyn, a former orange seller turned actress known for her wit and vivacity.  Unlike Catherine, Nell was a single mother, a social outlier at the time. This relationship added a layer of scandal to the court.

The Earl of Rochester wrote on the door of Charles' bedchamber: "Here lies our sovereign Lord the King, whose promise no one relies on. Who never said a foolish thing. Nor ever did a wise one." 

Catherine had nine miscarriages, and never produced an heir, a fact that marginalized her at court. She apparently held a deep affection for Charles despite his philandering ways.

Charles acknowledged fourteen illegitimate children by seven different mistresses.  His most prominent illegitimate son was James Scott, born from a relationship with Lucy Walter. James, later known as the Duke of Monmouth, played a significant role in politics, even leading a rebellion against Charles.

Despite the lack of legitimate heirs, Charles left a lasting family legacy. Several of his illegitimate sons became Dukes, with titles like Southampton, Grafton, and Richmond still existing today.  Descendants of Charles II, through his acknowledged sons, can be found in the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Duke of Grafton, and Duke of St Albans lines.

Double portrait of King Charles II and Catherine of Braganza circa 1665

MONEY AND FAME Charles II spent eight years in exile on the European continent following the execution of his father. During this time, he experienced significant financial hardship. 

Upon his restoration, in exchange for agreeing to abolish certain outdated feudal dues, Charles received an annual income of £1,200,000 from Parliament. However, this grant proved to be of limited practical value. The amount represented a maximum withdrawal limit from the Treasury, and the actual funds available often fell short. To address these financial challenges, Charles appointed George Downing, the namesake of Downing Street, to reform the management of the Treasury and tax collection.

During the Great Fire of London, Charles actively participated in firefighting efforts, personally distributing guineas to the bucket brigades.

In the latter years of his reign, Charles ruled without Parliament, relying on subsidies from his cousin, King Louis XIV of France. In 1675, Louis XIV bribed Charles with 500,000 crowns to delay the convening of Parliament for fifteen months.

Despite his royal status, Charles II often struggled with finances. The cost of maintaining the court, his lavish lifestyle, and his debts from years in exile led to ongoing financial difficulties. The fame of the Merry Monarch, however, was widespread; he was celebrated across Europe for his charisma and his role in restoring the monarchy.

FOOD AND DRINK Charles II enjoyed fine dining and had a taste for French cuisine, a preference he developed during his years in exile. He was known to host lavish feasts at court and had a fondness for good wine, especially claret.

Charles was presented with the first pineapple grown in England in 1675.

Painting by Hendrick Danckerts

Charles II, having spent his youth in the Dutch capital, developed a taste for tea. His Portuguese bride, Catherine de Braganza, also brought with her a fondness for the beverage. Upon her arrival in England, Catherine introduced tea to the royal court, and it quickly gained popularity among Charles and his circle.

While tea became a favored drink, Charles viewed coffee houses with suspicion. He referred to them as "seminaries of sedition," suggesting that they were breeding grounds for political dissent.

Charles's chef, Giles Rose, was renowned for his culinary skills. One of his specialties was napkin folding, and he was said to be able to fold a napkin in 26 different ways.

MUSIC AND ARTS A great patron of the arts, Charles II supported musicians, playwrights, and artists. He helped establish the Royal Society, and fostered the careers of notable figures such as composer Henry Purcell and architect Sir Christopher Wren.

He was the first English king to attend a public theater, attending an opera titled The Siege of Rhodes. In 1662, he made a significant change to the theater world by allowing women to take female roles in plays, replacing the tradition of using young men or boys. This innovation was exemplified by the casting of Desdemora in Othello.

Charles was also a music enthusiast. He enjoyed dancing and appreciated music that he could tap his feet to. He was known to bring back new musical ideas from his travels in France, including the violin ensemble.

LITERATURE Charles II was an avid reader with a particular interest in history and philosophy. He encouraged the publication of literature and the development of libraries, and his court was a hub for writers and thinkers of the period.

As soon as he was on the throne his supporters rushed into print details of his escape to France recording every detail in His Most Sacred Majesty's Most Miraculous Preservation. 

NATURE Charles II had a keen interest in natural history and the sciences, which led him to support the Royal Society, an institution dedicated to scientific inquiry. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, particularly in his gardens.

PETS Charles II was fond of animals, especially dogs. He is famously associated with the King Charles Spaniel, a breed named after him that he helped popularize at court. He was often seen with two or three of these dogs accompanying him,.  Each of Charles' dogs had a designated cushion, and he enjoyed taking them for walks in St. James's Park. Spaniels were often used by the ladies of his court as personal warmers, nestled beneath their voluminous skirts.

Despite their less-than-ideal house-training habits, Charles's spaniels were allowed to sleep on his bed. This practice, much to the chagrin of his courtiers who complained of the unpleasant odor, underscored his deep fondness for his canine companions.

In addition to his love of dogs, Charles also had a fondness for birds. He frequently visited the aviaries in St. James's Park, enjoying the beauty and sounds of the feathered creatures.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Charles II was a physically fit individual with a passion for sports. After witnessing a football match in Florence, he became a fan of the sport. Following his coronation in 1651, he participated in a game of golf.

During his exile in Holland, Charles discovered yachting and brought this sport back to England. He was also a frequent visitor to horse races, achieving success as a jockey at Newmarket and establishing it as a center of the racing world.

While in exile in Holland, King Charles II of England learned the art of ice skating. Upon his return to England, he introduced the iron-bladed skate. Diarist John Evelyn describes witnessing this novel skill on December 1, 1662. He marveled at the sight of skaters on the newly created canal in St. James’s Park, writing about their “strange and wonderful dexterity,” noting “with what swiftness they passe, how suddenly they stop in full carriere upon the ice,” much like the Dutch skaters who inspired them.

Charles was a skilled tennis player and also participated in the less-popular sport of cockfighting. He excelled at the game of paille-maille, a precursor to croquet.

As king, Charles frequently strolled through the city of London, often accompanied by his friend, the diarist John Evelyn, and his beloved spaniels.

Charles enjoyed hunting, including deer hunting. His reputation for having an eye for attractive young women led to the phrase "pretty young dears" being associated with his hunting exploits.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Charles II's reign saw significant advances in science and mathematics. He granted a royal charter to the Royal Society in 1662, supporting the work of scientists like Isaac Newton and Robert Hooke.

Charles II had a keen interest in mechanical devices, particularly clocks. His chambers were adorned with numerous timepieces, each striking at a different hour. He also maintained a laboratory at Whitehall Palace, where he spent considerable time conducting experiments. This fascination with mechanical things showcased his curious and inquisitive nature.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Though Charles II was nominally Anglican, his religious views were often pragmatic and he sought to balance the competing religious factions in his kingdom,

In 1662, the Act of Uniformity was passed, requiring ministers to conform to the Book of Common Prayer or face losing their positions. This led to the emergence of Nonconformists, those who did not adhere to Anglican practices. Subsequent acts, such as the Conventicle Act of 1664 and the Five Mile Act of 1665, further restricted the activities of Nonconformists, limiting their religious gatherings and teaching opportunities.

While Charles had numerous mistresses, only Nell Gwyn was Protestant. The majority of his other mistresses were Catholic, reflecting his personal leanings towards the faith.

The Treaty of Dover, a secret agreement between Charles II and Louis XIV of France signed on June 1, 1670, outlined Charles's plan to convert to Catholicism and restore it as the dominant religion in England.

Charles sought to establish himself as an absolute monarch, similar to his French counterpart Louis XIV. He successfully ruled without Parliament from 1680 onwards. In 1681, he rejected the "Exclusive Bill," which aimed to exclude his Catholic brother James from succeeding him to the throne. In response, Charles dissolved the House of Commons and offered to appoint William III as regent for James.

Charles II's religious beliefs were a subject of speculation. Although a member of the Anglican Church, he received the last rites of the Roman Catholic Church on his deathbed. This suggests a potential conversion to Catholicism in his final moments.

During a sermon by Dr. Robert South, Charles and his attendants were observed nodding off and even snoring. South, noticing the drowsy congregation, humorously interrupted his sermon, admonishing Lord Lauderdale for his loud snoring and its potential to disturb the King.

POLITICS Charles II skillfully navigated the political landscape of Restoration England, balancing his power with that of Parliament. He dealt with issues such as the Exclusion Crisis, religious conflicts, and foreign relations, often adopting a moderate stance to maintain stability.

MILITARY RECORD Charles II's military record was mixed. He faced a series of conflicts, including the Anglo-Dutch Wars, which were marked by naval battles and territorial disputes. 

At the tender age of twelve, Charles II witnessed the Battle of Edgehill, a pivotal moment in the English Civil War.

In 1650, Charles attempted to invade England from Scotland. However, his efforts were thwarted by Oliver Cromwell, who defeated him at Worcester in 1651. Charles managed to escape, embarking on a perilous journey through the Midlands and South of England before reaching Shoreham-by-the-Sea. From there, he obtained a fishing boat and crossed the English Channel to the Netherlands.

In 1664, a Dutch port named New Amsterdam was captured by the British. In honor of Charles's brother, James, Duke of York, the city was renamed New York.

In 1667, Charles agreed to a secret pact with Louis XIV of France. Under the terms of the agreement, Charles pledged not to oppose Louis XIV's invasion of the Spanish Netherlands.

SCANDAL Charles II's court was rife with scandal, from his numerous mistresses to his political maneuverings. His relationships with influential women, such as Barbara Villiers and Nell Gwyn, were the talk of the town and fueled many rumors and controversies.

Charles II's policies often met with public disapproval. His friendship with Louis XIV of France, his encouragement of Catholicism, and his tendency to avoid Parliament alienated many of his subjects.

After the Battle of Worcester, a bounty of £1,000 was placed on Charles's head. Parliament's posters described him as a "tall, black man over two yards wanted." To evade capture, Charles entered Bridport in disguise, with cropped curls, a face smeared in walnut juice, and green breeches. Despite the presence of Cromwellian troops, he managed to stop at a local inn, now a shop, before escaping to Normandy.

The secret hiding place where Prince Charles concealed himself after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, along with Major Carless, remains preserved at Boscobel House in Shropshire. The royal oak tree on the property is believed to be a descendant of the original tree that provided refuge for the future king. Charles ascended the tree using a hen roost ladder and disguised himself as a servant, narrowly avoiding detection.

In 1675, Colonel Thomas Hood, a highwayman, posed as a clergyman to gain access to the Royal Treasure Room in the Tower of London. He overpowered a guard, stole the Crown Jewels, and attempted to flee. Although captured before leaving the Tower, Charles was so intrigued by the daring heist that he commuted Hood's death sentence and awarded him a yearly pension of £300.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Charles II enjoyed robust health for much of his life, though he suffered from occasional illnesses. His active lifestyle, including hunting and other sports, helped keep him fit.

One of Charles' royal duties involved the "royal touch," a belief that the King's touch could cure scrofula, a skin condition. During his reign, an estimated 92,107 people sought his healing touch, each receiving a specially minted gold angel as a memento. The ceremony, accompanied by choral music, sometimes resulted in tragic accidents, as evidenced by the six people who were trampled to death in a single session.

Charles suffered from syphilis, likely contracted from his mistress Nell Gwyn. The prescribed mercury treatment caused kidney poisoning, leading to a sudden collapse. His doctors employed drastic measures, including hot iron cauterization, blistering, purges, enemas, and bloodletting. 

Charles II's life came to a tragic end in 1685. While shaving, he suffered a fit. His attending physicians, employing the same questionable remedies, ultimately failed to save his life. Charles died two days later, a victim of the limited medical knowledge and practices of his time.

HOMES Charles II resided in several royal palaces, including Whitehall, Hampton Court, and Windsor Castle. His court was known for its opulence and vibrancy, a reflection of his personality and the cultural revival of the Restoration era.

Following the victory of Parliament in the English Civil War, Charles II fled to the continent in 1646. In 1650, Charles returned to Scotland in an attempt to reclaim the throne. However, his efforts were unsuccessful, and he was once again forced to flee to the continent after his defeat at Worcester in 1651. During his exile, Charles sought refuge in various European countries, including the Isles of Scilly, France, Germany, and Belgium. He spent time in Breda, South Holland, during his years abroad.

In 1660, Charles returned to England, arriving in London on his birthday. His homecoming marked the restoration of the monarchy.

After his restoration, Charles purchased Dudley End, a property near Saffron Walden, Essex, for £50,000

TRAVEL During his years in exile, Charles II traveled extensively throughout Europe, living in France, the Dutch Republic, and Spain. As king, he often moved between his royal residences but did not travel extensively abroad.

In 1660, Charles returned to England with a fleet of 100 ships. His homecoming marked the restoration of the monarchy.

In 1660, Charles received a gift from the Dutch: a 100-ton yacht named "Mary." This vessel became a personal pleasure craft for the king.

DEATH Charles II died on February 6, 1685, at Whitehall Palace in London. His death followed a sudden illness that began with a seizure and was marred by the ineffective treatments provided by his team of highly paid physicians. Their suggested remedies, such as applying a live pigeon to the King's feet, were both bizarre and ineffective.

The King, aware of the prolonged nature of his illness, apologized to those around him, expressing his regret for taking so long to die. His final words were a plea for the well-being of his mistress, Nell Gwyn.

Charles was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, where a wax effigy of him remains on display. His death marked the end of the Restoration period.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charles II has appeared in numerous works of fiction, television, and film, often depicted as a witty, charming monarch with a love for life. His character has been portrayed in works such as the BBC series Charles II: The Power and the Passion and the novel Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor.

ACHIEVEMENTS Charles II is credited with restoring the monarchy, fostering the arts and sciences, and navigating a complex political landscape. His reign saw the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666, the establishment of the Royal Society, and the revival of English theatre, which had been suppressed under the Puritan regime.

(1) The British Cabinet has its origins during his reign. 

(2) The Restoration brought peace to troubled England after a year of anarchy between Richard Cromwell's death and Charles' succession.

 (3)  Charles showed a lack of vindictiveness, following the restoration. Only reaped vengeance on those who had signed the death warrant of his father

(4)  About one fifth of all Dukes today are descended from Charles and his mistresses. 

Sources Book of Lists, Faber Book of Anecdotes, A History of Fashion