This Day in History: 1660-01-30

In 1660 Charles II was proclaimed King of England

King Charles II of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1630–1685) was a monarch known for his eventful reign, marked by the Restoration of the monarchy, political intrigue, and cultural transformation. After years of exile during the English Commonwealth, he returned to the throne in 1660, ushering in an era of relative stability and prosperity, often referred to as the Restoration period.

Born on May 29, 1630, Charles was the eldest son of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria. His early years were dominated by the English Civil War (1642–1651), during which his father was ultimately executed in 1649. Following this, Charles lived in exile across France, the Dutch Republic, and other European courts, relying on foreign support while attempting to reclaim the throne.

In 1660, after the collapse of Oliver Cromwell’s Protectorate and the unpopularity of Richard Cromwell’s rule, Charles was invited back to England by Parliament. The Restoration marked the return of the monarchy, and Charles was crowned in 1661. He pursued a policy of reconciliation, granting pardons to many former Parliamentarians while also restoring the Church of England as the dominant religious institution.