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2024-04-22 12:45:16

Charles II of England

King of England, Scotland, and Ireland
King of England, Scotland, and Ireland
Charles II ruled from 1660 until his death in 1685. He faced political crises, wars, and religious conflicts during his reign. Known for his affability, he had 12 illegitimate children and was succeeded by his brother James.
1630-05-29
Charles II Becomes King of Scotland
Charles II became King of Scotland in 1649 and ruled until 1651.
1642-10
Battle of Edgehill
During the Battle of Edgehill, William Harvey, as the king's chief physician, had charge of Prince Charles and the Duke of York in the morning. Later, the two princes left the battlefield for safety concerns.
1645
Charles II tries to fight his father's battles in the west of England
In 1645, Charles II attempted to fight on behalf of his father in the west of England. This action showed his loyalty and dedication to his family.
1646
Charles's education in France
During his exile in France, Charles continued his education in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. He studied under notable figures like John Earle and Thomas Hobbes.
1648
Charles II makes efforts to save his father
In 1648, Charles II made significant efforts to save his father, Charles I. This demonstrates his commitment to his family and the monarchy.
1649-02-05
Charles II proclaimed King of Scotland
After the execution of his father, Charles I, by the English Parliament, Charles II was proclaimed king of Scotland by the Parliament of Scotland on 5 February 1649.
1650-02-05
Proclamation of Charles II as King of Great Britain, France and Ireland
The Covenanter Parliament of Scotland proclaimed Charles II as king, but refused to allow him to enter Scotland unless he agreed to establish Presbyterianism as the state religion in all three kingdoms.
1650-09-03
Defeat of the Covenanters at Dunbar
On 3 September 1650, the Covenanters were defeated at Dunbar by Oliver Cromwell's forces.
1651-01-01
Coronation of Charles II of Scotland
On January 1, 1651, Charles II of Scotland is crowned at Scone.
1651-09-03
Charles II of Scotland flees England after defeat at the Battle of Worcester
After being defeated at the Battle of Worcester, Charles II of Scotland escapes from England to avoid capture by the Parliamentarian forces.
1656-04
Treaty with Spain
In April 1656, Charles II concluded a treaty with Spain after being unable to gain support from France and the Dutch United Provinces. This treaty marked a strategic move in his efforts to regain power and support for his cause.
1660-04-04
The Treaty of Breda
In the Treaty of Breda, Charles II of Scotland pledges to uphold a free Parliament and religious tolerance in exchange for being reinstated as the English monarch.
1660-05-08
Restoration of the Monarchy
After years of exile and negotiations, Charles II was proclaimed King of England, Scotland, and Ireland following the Restoration of the Monarchy.
1660-05-14
Charles II proclaimed king in Dublin
In Ireland, a convention declared for Charles II earlier in the year, and on 14 May 1660, he was proclaimed king in Dublin.
1660-05-25
The Crowning of King Charles II
On May 25, 1660, Charles II was proclaimed king after issuing the Declaration of Breda, expressing his desire for amnesty, liberty of conscience, settlement of land disputes, and payment of arrears to the army.
1660-05-29
The Restoration of the monarchy in England
The monarchy is restored in England as Charles II of England makes his triumphant return after the tumultuous period of the English Civil War and Interregnum.
1661-04-23
The coronation of Charles II of England
Charles II of England is officially crowned in Westminster Abbey, solidifying his position as the restored monarch of England.
1662-05-21
Royal Society receives charter from Charles II of England
In 1662, the Royal Society was granted a charter by Charles II of England, officially establishing it as a scientific institution.
1663-03-24
Marriage of Charles II of England and Catherine of Braganza
On March 24, 1663, Charles II of England married Catherine of Braganza, a significant event in the royal history of England.
1663-07-08
Grant of lands of 'Carolina' to eight noblemen by Charles II of England
In 1663, Charles II of England granted the lands of 'Carolina' in North America to eight noblemen, marking the beginning of colonization in the region.
1664
Seizure of New Amsterdam
In 1664, England was at war with Holland and seized the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam in North America, renaming it New York.
1665-06
Grant of royal charter to Rhode Island colony by Charles II of England
In June 1665, Charles II of England issued a royal charter to the Rhode Island colony, solidifying its status as a recognized settlement.
1665-09
Great Plague of London
The Great Plague of London occurred in September 1665, causing a devastating outbreak of bubonic plague in the city, resulting in a high death toll and widespread fear.
1666-09-02
Great Fire of London
During the reign of Charles II in 1666, the Great Fire of London devastated the city, destroying a large part of the medieval city of London. The fire led to significant rebuilding and modernization efforts in the city.
1667
Treaty of Breda
Charles II of England signed the Treaty of Breda in 1667, ending the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The treaty established peace between England and the Dutch Republic.
1668
Alliance with Holland and Sweden
Following the Treaty of Breda, Charles II of England formed a formal alliance with Holland and Sweden in 1668. This alliance strengthened diplomatic relations between the countries.
1669-01-15
King Charles II's Chemistry Laboratory
On January 15, 1669, Samuel Pepys visited King Charles II's chemistry laboratory at Whitehall. Charles had a keen interest in chemistry and regularly conducted experiments in his private laboratory.
1670
The Secret Treaty of Dover
In 1670, Charles II of England signed a secret treaty with King Louis XIV of France, agreeing to convert to Catholicism in exchange for a pension and support. The treaty aimed to promote Catholicism and dissolve the Protestant Triple Alliance, causing controversy and tarnishing Charles II's reputation.
1672
Charles II's Advocacy for Catholicism
In 1672, Charles II advocated for the removal of penal codes against Catholics and other religious minorities, leading to disagreements with the largely Anglican Parliament. He even entered into a secret agreement with King Louis XIV of France to relax laws against Catholicism in exchange for financial support.
1673
James' Resignation as Lord Admiral Due to Catholicism
James, the brother of Charles II, was forced to resign as Lord Admiral after refusing to renounce his Catholicism. This revelation about the heir to the throne became public news.
1674
End of the Anglo-Dutch War and decline of the Cabal
By 1674, England had gained nothing from the Anglo-Dutch War, leading to the decline of the Cabal's power. The Cavalier Parliament's refusal to provide further funds forced Charles II to make peace.
1675
Charles II founds the Royal Observatory
In 1675, King Charles II established the Royal Observatory, which played a crucial role in the history of astronomy and navigation.
1678
Treaty of Dover
The Treaty of Dover was signed between Charles II of England and Louis XIV of France, forming an alliance against the Netherlands.
1679-06-22
Battle of Bothwell Bridge
The Covenanting rising was suppressed by the Duke of Monmouth, the king's illegitimate son, at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in Lanarkshire.
1680
Fall of Lauderdale from Power
Increasing opposition to Lauderdale's corrupt government resulted in his downfall from power the following year.
1681-03
Dissolution of Parliament at Oxford
A new Parliament assembled at Oxford in March 1681, but Charles II dissolved it for a fourth time after just a few days. This action reflected the ongoing political tensions and struggles during his reign.
1683
Foiling of the Rye House Plot
The Rye House Plot, which aimed to replace Charles II of England with his illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, was thwarted.
1685-02-02
Death of Charles II
Charles II suffered a sudden apoplectic fit on the morning of 2 February 1685 and died four days later at the Palace of Whitehall. His death led to suspicions of poisoning, but modern medical analysis suggests it may have been due to kidney dysfunction.
1685-02-06
Death of Charles II
Charles II passed away on February 6, 1685, in London. His reign was marked by political adaptability and acumen, steering England through religious struggles between Anglicans, Catholics, and dissenters.
1685-07-06
Battle of Sedgemoor
The Duke of Monmouth led a rebellion against James II, but was defeated at the Battle of Sedgemoor on 6 July 1685, captured and executed.
1688
Dethronement of James II
James II was eventually dethroned in 1688, in the course of the Glorious Revolution.
End of the Timeline
Charles II of England

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Charles II of England

King of England, Scotland, and Ireland
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