Charles II Biography

Signs the Treaty of Breda. Agrees to the Covenant in Scotland & to impose Presbyterianism in England

Affirms the Treaty of Breda agreeing to the Covenant in Scotland

Fights at the Battle of Cropredy Bridge

Given a Council of Advisers including Sir Edward Hyde, Sir Arthur Capel & Lord Hopton

Appointed General of the Western Association & Generlissimo of the King's forces. Appointed Commander, under the control of Sir Edward Hyde

Appointed General of the Western Association & Generlissimo of the King's forces. Appointed Commander, under the control of Sir Edward Hyde

Fights at the Battle of Newbury

After Cromwell's victory at Torrington Charles retreats to Penndennis Castle

Boarded on the Phoenix at Lands End & headed for the Scilly Isles

Lands at St Marys in the Scilly Isles exactly one year since leaving Oxford

Sets sail for Jersey from the Scilly Isles on the Proud Black Eagle

Sets sail for France to join his Mother Henrietta Maria

The Scottish Parliament proclaimed Charles II while England remained a republic.

Charles opened negotiations with commissioners representing the Scottish Parliament.

Montrose lands from the Orkneys with 1,500 in the service of Charles II

Montrose lands from the Orkneys with 1,500 in the service of Charles II

Charles accepted the Treaty of Breda to obtain Scottish support for his restoration.

Charles accepted the agreement permitting his return to Scotland under stringent political and religious conditions.

Charles left Breda for Scotland after accepting the negotiated settlement.

The last Royalist stronghold in England surrenders to the Commonwealth

The last Royalist stronghold in England surrenders to the Commonwealth

Appointed Commander in Chief, Scottish Army

Appointed Commander in Chief, Scottish Army

Given a Presbyterian Coronation at Scone

Charles II was crowned King of Scots while the English Commonwealth rejected his claim.

Crosses the Border into England with a mainly Presbyterian force to restore the throne

Manages to cross the Mersey at Warrington

Charles II assigns troops to defend Powick Bridge, one of the key approaches to Worcester across the River Teme.

Royalist forces destroy Upton Bridge on Charles II's orders to delay Parliamentarian movement across the River Severn.

Charles II orders Worcester's defences strengthened as Parliamentarian armies gather around the city.

Charles II's forces rebuild and enlarge Fort Royal to protect the London Road and Worcester's vulnerable south-eastern approaches.

Charles II crosses into England with a predominantly Scottish Royalist army, beginning the southward campaign that culminates at Worcester.

Crosses the border into England at the head of an Army of 14,000

Proclaimed as sovereign of England & offers a pardon to all who join him

Arrives with a force of 16,000 men. Arrives at the Royalist town of Worcester which clears the garrison for him

Charles II occupies Worcester with fewer than sixteen thousand troops after his expected English support fails to materialize.

Charles II establishes Worcester as his temporary headquarters while the Royalist army rests, gathers supplies and prepares for battle.

Enters Worcester unopposed

Charles II takes refuge at Trent Manor during the prolonged search for a vessel that can carry him safely to France.

Leads a force of 16,000 against Cromwell's force of 30,000. Charles is forced to go into hiding then escape from England. Attempts a "break out" from Worcester against Cromwell but is forced back

Charles II leads the Royalist army defeated by Cromwell at Worcester before escaping into exile.

Charles II leads the Royalist army, counterattacks east of the Severn and escapes after Cromwell's forces break into Worcester.

Charles II personally rallies Royalist troops for a counterattack against the weakened Parliamentarian positions east of Worcester.

Charles II abandons the defeated Royalist army and escapes north from Worcester with a small group of companions.

Charles suffered defeat at Worcester during his attempt to recover the English throne.

Charles II watches the developing battle from Worcester Cathedral tower before leaving to rally troops east of the Severn.

Charles II moves through Sidbury Gate toward Fort Royal and Perry Wood while rallying troops for the eastern counterattack.

Charles II reaches White Ladies after riding through the night and disguises himself as a countryman to avoid Parliamentarian search parties.

Charles II hides with William Careless in an oak near Boscobel while Parliamentarian soldiers search the surrounding area.

Leaves France, which resumes relations with England, for Aachen. Joined in Aachen by his sister, the recently widowed Princess Mary

Charles II remains concealed at Moseley Old Hall before moving to Bentley Hall and continuing his escape under disguise.

Flees to France in a State of destitution

On the run for 6 weeks after the Battle of Worcester. Leaves England on a hired boat, The Surprise, from Shoreham

After six weeks in hiding, Charles II leaves England secretly from near Shoreham aboard the vessel later remembered as the Surprise.

Charles escaped into exile after evading Commonwealth forces for six weeks.

Lands at Fecamp near Rouen

Supports a conspiratorial royalist society in England called the Sealed Knot

Sends General Middleton to support the Scottish clans who declared loyalty to the King

The Spanish Army agrees to restore Charles to the throne but Jamaica must be returned

Exiled to Spain after Cromwell agrees to it in a secret Treaty with France

Charles II offers a knighthood & 500 pounds pension pa to anyone who would kill Cromwell

Negiates with the Spanish Governor Don Juan for an alliance with Spain

Will support Irish Catholics & give Spain support against France after his restoration. The Spanish agree to help restore Charles II. Spain agrees to support the exiled King & his brother James. Spain agrees to open its ports to Royalist privateers & supports restoration. Charles agrees to revoke anti-Catholic laws

Hears of the death of Cromwell while in exile in The Netherlands. Death of Cromwell, it is certain the monarchy will be restored

Returns to Calais in support of Royalist plots to restore the Monarchy

Promises to uphold the Anglican Church and to grant "liberty to tender consciences". Pardons his enemies

Plans to restore royal use of Greenwich after the Restoration.

Parliament sends a fleet to Holland with a gift of £50,000 for the Charles

Founds the Royal Society

Charles promised that Parliament would arrange payment of arrears owed to the army.

Charles II issues the declaration offering pardon, religious moderation, property settlement and army arrears.

Issues the Declaration of Breda promising pardon, religious toleration and settlement of army arrears.

Charles issued proposals designed to secure a peaceful restoration of monarchy.

Charles promised a broad pardon while leaving Parliament to identify limited exceptions.

Charles issued the Declaration of Breda promising a parliamentary settlement and qualified clemency.

Charles promised religious indulgence for peaceful differences of conscience, subject to parliamentary legislation.

Charles proposed that disputed property transfers should be resolved by Parliament.

Succeeds as King of England

Opening day of Parliament after a general election which returns a monarchist majority

Opening day of Parliament after a general election which returns a monarchist majority

Charles's restoration is now certain

Charles boards Parliament's flagship, the Naseby, & returns to reclaim his kingdom

The Declaration of Breda is read to Parliament and becomes the basis for Charles II's return.

Final day of the Interregnum, rule without a monarch

The Convention proclaimed Charles II king, preparing the formal Restoration.

Parliament proclaims that Charles II has been lawful king since the execution of Charles I.

Proclaimed king in London by the Convention Parliament.

Charles II leaves the Dutch Republic aboard the English fleet for his return to England.

Lands at Dover on his return from exile.

Charles II lands at Dover and is received by Monck before returning to London.

Charles II is received on the road to London after landing at Dover.

Marks the day Charles returns to London as well as his birthday

Made a day of annual thanksgiving with a special service in the Book of Common Prayer

Enters London in triumph on his thirtieth birthday.

Charles entered London on his thirtieth birthday, marking the public restoration of monarchy.

Charles II enters London in triumph as monarchy is publicly restored.

Charles II orders the suppression of pamphlets written by John Milton

Charles II gives assent to the Act of Indemnity and Oblivion, confirming a broad political pardon.

Gives royal assent to the Act of Indemnity and Oblivion, pardoning most former opponents.

Charles II dissolves the Convention Parliament after it completes the initial Restoration settlement.

Charles II dissolves the Convention Parliament after it has prepared the Restoration settlement.

Issues a proclamation controlling new building around London and Westminster.

Prohibits new foundations near London or Westminster without licence as part of early Restoration building control.

New coronation regalia is prepared because the old Crown Jewels had been destroyed under the Commonwealth.

Charles II is crowned at Westminster Abbey on Saint George's Day.

Charles II is crowned at Westminster Abbey, formalising the restored monarchy.

Charles II opens the Cavalier Parliament, beginning a long royalist-dominated session.

Charles II opens the Cavalier Parliament, which consolidates the restored monarchy.

The Cavalier Parliament assembles and begins consolidating the restored monarchy.

Opens the Cavalier Parliament, the first fully legal royalist Parliament after the Restoration.

The Cavalier Parliament assembles and helps consolidate the restored Stuart monarchy.

The marriage treaty grants Bombay to England as part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry.

Charles II agrees the Portuguese marriage treaty that brings Catherine of Braganza as queen.

The marriage treaty grants Tangier to England as part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry.

The marriage treaty grants Tangier to England as part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry.

Charles II gives assent to the Corporation Act during the Cavalier Parliament.

Charles II gives assent to the Corporation Act, reshaping municipal government after the Restoration.

Charles II gives royal assent to the Corporation Act regulating municipal office.

Parliament grants the hearth tax as a regular revenue source for the restored monarchy.

The Militia Act strengthens royal control over local armed forces after the Restoration.

Supports legislation directed at Quakers who refuse oaths and hold unauthorised meetings.

The Settlement and Removal Act regulates poor relief and parish responsibility for the poor.

Parliament requires ministers to use the Book of Common Prayer and conform to the restored Church of England.

Charles II gives assent to the Act of Uniformity, enforcing use of the restored Book of Common Prayer.

Gives royal assent to the Act of Uniformity enforcing the restored Book of Common Prayer.

The Restoration settlement requires clergy to use the Book of Common Prayer and accept episcopal ordination.

The Act of Uniformity becomes part of the Clarendon Code enforcing Anglican conformity after the Restoration.

Charles II gives assent to the Licensing of the Press Act passed by the Cavalier Parliament.

Gives assent to the Licensing of the Press Act regulating printing and publication.

The Restoration settlement requires clergy to use the Book of Common Prayer and accept episcopal ordination.

Charles II first sees Catherine of Braganza at Portsmouth before their marriage.

Charles II first sees Catherine of Braganza at Portsmouth before their marriage.

Bombay passes to England as part of Catherine of Braganza's Portuguese dowry.

Marries Catherine of Braganza at Portsmouth after her arrival from Portugal.

Tangier becomes part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry to the English crown.

Grants a royal charter to the Royal Society in London.

Grants the first royal charter to the Royal Society.

Clergy who refuse the restored Book of Common Prayer are identified as Nonconformists after the Act of Uniformity takes effect.

Clergy who refuse the restored Book of Common Prayer are identified as Nonconformists after the Act of Uniformity takes effect.

Sells Dunkirk to France for a large cash payment to relieve royal finances.

Sells Dunkirk to France for a large cash payment to relieve royal finances.

Transfers Dunkirk to France after agreeing the sale of the port to Louis XIV.

Charters the Company of Royal Adventurers trading to Africa.

Forced to abandon plans for wider toleration of dissenters and Catholics after parliamentary resistance.

Grants the Carolina charter to eight Lords Proprietors for territory south of Virginia.

Issues a second charter to the Royal Society, naming the king as founder and patron.

Royal patronage supports Killigrew's King's Company at the new Theatre Royal.

Gives assent to legislation requiring European goods bound for colonies to pass through England.

Charles II sends Gilbert Talbot to Copenhagen to pursue a northern alliance against the Dutch.

Grants his brother James a patent including New Netherland before the English expedition.

Repeals the 1641 Triennial Act while replacing it with a weaker parliamentary-meeting requirement.

Gives assent to the Triennial Parliaments Act requiring Parliament at least once every three years.

Gives assent to the Conventicle Act forbidding unauthorised religious meetings of more than five people.

Declares war on the Dutch Republic as the Second Anglo-Dutch War begins.

Moves the court away from plague-stricken London as the epidemic worsens.

Issues government orders from Oxford while plague disrupts London and Westminster.

Checks the flames by ordering sailors to blow up houses in the path of the fire

Officially 68,000 had died but it may have been over 100,000

1st day of the Great Fire of London, started in a bakers shop in Pudding Lane

Battle of Pentland Hills, the Scottish Convenenter revolt led by James Wallace is defeated by the Royalist forces

A group of ministers of King Charles II of England (Sir Thomas Clifford, Lord Arlington, the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Ashley, and Lord Lauderdale), whose initial letters coincidentally spelled CABAL, and who were the signers of the public Treaty of Dover

Under the Treaty of Breda England is awarded possession of New Jersey

Under the Treaty of Breda England is awarded possession of New York

The Treaty of Breda ends the war. The French retain French Acadia & French Guiana. The Dutch retain Pulo-Run & Dutch Guina. England gains New York & New Jersey

Charles authorised the treaty that ended the Second Anglo-Dutch War.

An alliance of England, the United Provinces and Sweden against Louis XIV

Charles II promises to lift laws against dissenters who refuse the oaths

Only Clifford & Arlington know of the secret Treaty of Dover

Gives the Hudson Bay Company exclusive rights over Western Canada

Charles II is due to receive 160,000 pounds and 6,000 troops frfrfrom Louis XIV to suppress disorder

Charles declares to Louis XIV that he is a Catholic and wins his support

Louis XIV hopes to gain Spanish territory and Charles II some Dutch land

Will support Louis XIV to the Spanish monarchical possessions of south America. Supports the Catholic religion and resolves to reconcile himself with the Church of Rome

Declares war against the Dutch for a subsidy frfrom Louis XIV in the Treaty of Dover

A cover up Treaty for the secret Treaty, details Anglo-French action against the Dutch

Declares war against the Dutch for a subsidy frfrfrom Louis XIV in the Treaty of Dover

Grants licenses to Non Conformists to worship publicly. Attempts to remove legislation against Catholics & Non Conformists. Allows Catholics to worship in private

Attempts to extend religious liberty by royal prerogative through the Declaration of Indulgence.

Charles II issues the Declaration of Indulgence suspending penal laws against Catholics and Protestant dissenters.

Seeks to relieve Roman Catholics and Protestant nonconformists from penal religious restrictions.

Uses royal authority to exempt selected religious groups from penalties under conformity laws.

Suspends the execution of penal laws against religious nonconformists by issuing the Declaration of Indulgence.

England & France declare war against in accordance with the Treaty of Dover. Charles II declares war without consulting Parliament

Parliament refuses to raise any money for the war against the Dutch

Parliament opposses Charles IIs Declaration of Indulgence made in 1672

Withdrawn in exchange for a monthly payment of œ70,000 for 3 yrs. Withdrawn after opposition in the Commons & Lords

Parliament replaces the Declaration of Indulgence with the Test Acts

Forced to withdraw the declaration by Parliament when they suspend funds

Cancels loans made to the Monarchy by bonds issued through the Treasury

Under the Test Act Public officeholders must accept communion by Protestant form. The intention of the Test Act is to exclude Catholics from public office. Public officeholders must swear an oath of allegiance recognizing the monarch as head of the Church. Parliament replaces the Declaration of Indulgence with the Test Acts. Parliament passes a Test Act for Crown office holders to support the Anglican Church

Parliament passes a Test Act for Crown office holders to support the Anglican Church

Takes the sacrament according to the rites of the Church of England. Parliament passes a Test Act for Crown office holders to support the Anglican Church. Imposes citizenship, oaths of allegiance & supremacy

Takes the sacrament according to the rites of the Church of England

Takes the sacrament according to the rites of the Church of England. Parliament passes a Test Act for Crown office holders to support the Anglican Church. Imposes citizenship, oaths of allegiance & supremacy

Assents to the Test Act. All public office holders must take public communion in the Church of England

Opens Parliament to raise money for war with the Dutch, both Houses vote for peace

Opens Parliament to raise money for war with the Dutch, both Houses vote for peace

Opens Parliament to raise money for war with the Dutch, both Houses vote for peace

Dismissses the oppossition leader, Shaftsbury

Parliament refuses to grant funds for the war with the Low Countries

Declares in Parliament for "a speedy honourable & I hope lasting peace with the Dutch"

Parliament forces Charles to withdraw from the war, the Dutch will pay an indemnity

The secret alliance between Charles II and Louis XIV is renewed. Charles is promised a subsidy of pounds100,000 to finance the Navy

The secret alliance between Charles II and Louis XIV is renewed

The Navy is financed by Louis XIV to the sum of pounds100,000 to be paid quarterly

Penal Laws against Catholics are enforced. Catholic Chapels are restricted to Ambassadors & the Queen

Dissolves Parliament after Danby fails to raise funds to finance the Navy

Orders creation of the Royal Observatory to improve navigation.

Signs a declaration expelling Jesuits & "Romish Priests" from the Realm

Signs another secret Treaty with France for a further three years

A Bill is passed banning Catholics from sitting in the Commons & the Lords

Parliament presents a Bill to control the Militia. 1st time Charles vetoes a Bill, a generation earlier precipitated the Civil War

2nd reading of the Exclusion Bill to prevent succession of the Duke of York

Rumours say Charles had married Lucy Walter making Monmouth his legitimate heir

Signs a declaration he had only married Queen Catherine, makes Monmouth illegitimate

Chalrles attempts to prevent the passing of the Exclusion Bill. Agrees Catholic Sovereigns will lose control of Church & Government appointments

Dismisses Parliament after 1st & 2nd readings of the Exclusion Bill pass the Commons

The Lords reject the 2nd Exclusion Bill by 60 votes to 30

1st reading of the 2nd Exclusion Bill passes through the Commons

1st reading of the 2nd Exclusion Bill passes through the Commons

The Commons move the next in line should be the Duke of Yorks eldest daughter Mary. The Commons move the Duke of York be excluded from the succession

Discovers the Rye House plot to murder Charles II & the Duke of York

Discovers the Rye House plot to murder Charles II & the Duke of York

Death of Charles II