The merry monarch: Charles II & the Restoration era

What is the course about?

Although able to successfully negotiate his own Restoration settlement in the post-Cromwellian era, the question of legitimate succession became a crisis for the Stuarts during Charles II’s reign, eventually ending in the deposal of his brother James II in favour of James’s daughter Mary and her husband, William of Orange, in 1688. On this course we will explore ambiguities in the late Stuarts’ approach to religion; shifting European alliances; Charles’s often contentious relationships with Parliament and the Popish Plot; society during the 1665 Plague and 1666 Great Fire of London; innovations in both science and the theatre; and of course, Charles’s marriage, mistresses and extremely colourful love life!

What will we cover?

• The Cavalier Parliament
• The Stuart Restoration and Scotland
• Godly Punishments? The Plague and the Great Fire of London
• Innovations in Science & the Theatre
• Women, sexuality and power at the court of Charles II
• European relations: the United Dutch Provinces and France
• Catholic converts: Charles II and James II
• James II, the ‘Popish Plot’ and the Exclusion Crisis
• Parliamentary factions: Whigs and Tories.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Evaluate European diplomatic relations in the Restoration era
• Assess the impact of the Plague and Great Fire on attitudes towards the Restoration
• Explain innovations in science and the theatre
• Assess the significance of the succession crisis for the Stuart dynasty
• Evaluate ambiguities in religious tolerance and dissent in the late 1600s
• Explain the significance of the so-called ‘Popish Plot’
• Assess the significance of Parliament in James II’s deposition.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course and no prior knowledge is necessary. However, the course will be interactive, with plenty of opportunities for debates and discussions, so an open mind, a positive attitude and a willingness to engage constructively and respectfully in class debates are all required.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through lectures/classroom discussions/debates. There is no set work outside the class, although you will be encouraged to read around the topic. Extracts from contemporary and historiographical sources will be provided on Google Classroom, together with recommended book reading, relevant articles and links to reliable online resources.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no other costs. Please bring a pen and paper if you wish to take additional notes in class.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Other courses in early modern English history. Please see the City Lit website.
In this slot in June, Ellen is teaching a short course on Mary, Queen of Scots (HBH77).