Restoration England, 1660–1685 — AQA GCSE History
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Restoration England, 1660–1685 explained
Restoration England, 1660–1685, focuses on the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II, examining political, religious, social, and cultural developments, including the legacy of the Civil War, court life, major crises like the Great Plague and Fire of London, and the expansion of trade and naval power.
What to demonstrate
- Crown and Parliament relations including the legacy of the Civil War and Commonwealth
- The succession issue and rule without parliament from 1681
- The Catholic question including the Popish Plot, Rye House Plot, and Exclusion Bill
Show all 9 objectives
- Charles II’s court life, character, and patronage
- The Great Plague of 1665 and the Fire of London of 1666
- Restoration culture including theatre, coffee houses, and the Royal Society
- The role and status of women in Restoration society
- Trade and mercantilism including the Navigation Acts and the slave trade
- Naval warfare and conflicts with the Dutch, Spanish, and French
Restoration England, 1660–1685 exam tips
Topic Overview
Restoration England, 1660–1685, covers the period after the collapse of the Commonwealth and the return of the monarchy under Charles II. This era saw the re-establishment of the Church of England, the rise of political parties (Whigs and Tories), and major events like the Great Plague (1665), the Great Fire of London (1666), and the Popish Plot (1678). It is a fascinating study of how a country rebuilt after civil war, balancing royal authority with Parliament's growing power.
This topic is crucial for understanding the origins of modern British politics and religion. The Restoration settlement shaped the relationship between crown and Parliament, leading to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Students will explore how Charles II navigated religious tensions, foreign policy (especially wars with the Dutch), and the emergence of the first political parties. The period also saw advances in science (Royal Society) and culture (theatre reopened).
In the AQA GCSE course, Restoration England is a depth study that connects to broader themes of power, religion, and society. It requires students to analyse sources, evaluate interpretations, and understand change and continuity. Mastering this topic helps students grasp the roots of constitutional monarchy and the limits of royal power.
Key Concepts
- →The Restoration Settlement: The return of the monarchy in 1660, the re-establishment of the Church of England, and the Clarendon Code (a series of acts that penalised nonconformists).
- →The Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681): A political struggle over whether to exclude Charles II's Catholic brother James from the throne, leading to the formation of the Whig and Tory parties.
- →The Popish Plot (1678): A fabricated conspiracy that Catholics planned to assassinate Charles II, causing a wave of anti-Catholic hysteria and the execution of innocent Catholics.
- →The Great Fire of London (1666): A devastating fire that destroyed much of the city, leading to rebuilding efforts and new building regulations (e.g., brick instead of wood).
- →The Royal Society: A scientific institution founded in 1660 that promoted experimental science, with members like Robert Boyle and Isaac Newton.
Marking Points
- Crown and Parliament relations including the legacy of the Civil War and Commonwealth
- The succession issue and rule without parliament from 1681
- The Catholic question including the Popish Plot, Rye House Plot, and Exclusion Bill
- Charles II’s court life, character, and patronage
- The Great Plague of 1665 and the Fire of London of 1666
- Restoration culture including theatre, coffee houses, and the Royal Society
- The role and status of women in Restoration society
- Trade and mercantilism including the Navigation Acts and the slave trade
- Naval warfare and conflicts with the Dutch, Spanish, and French
Examiner Tips
- 💡Ensure understanding of the relationship between the historic environment site and the wider historical context of the period.
- 💡Use second-order concepts like causation, change, continuity, and consequence when analyzing the historic environment.
- 💡Be prepared to evaluate interpretations of key events or developments.
- 💡Structure extended responses to demonstrate a sustained line of reasoning.
- 💡Use specific dates and names to show precise knowledge. For example, 'The Test Act of 1673 excluded Catholics from public office' is better than 'laws were passed against Catholics.'
- 💡When analysing sources, consider the provenance: who wrote it, when, and why. A source from a Whig politician in 1679 will have a different bias than a Tory source.
- 💡Link events to the big themes: the struggle between crown and Parliament, religious conflict, and the growth of political parties. For example, the Exclusion Crisis directly led to the formation of Whigs and Tories.
Common Mistakes
- Misconception: Charles II was an absolute monarch like his father. Correction: Charles II was a popular king but faced limits from Parliament, especially over money and religion. He could not rule without Parliament's consent for taxes.
- Misconception: The Great Fire of London was caused by the Great Plague. Correction: The plague was a separate event (1665) caused by bacteria; the fire (1666) was accidental, starting in a bakery on Pudding Lane.
- Misconception: The Popish Plot was a real Catholic conspiracy. Correction: It was fabricated by Titus Oates; no plot existed, but it led to the execution of about 35 innocent people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Restoration of Charles II so popular in 1660?
After the strict Puritan rule of Oliver Cromwell and the instability of the Commonwealth, many people wanted a return to traditional monarchy and the festive culture of Christmas and theatre. Charles II was seen as a unifying figure who could bring stability. His Declaration of Breda (1660) promised a general pardon, religious toleration, and payment of army arrears, which won over many former opponents.
What was the Clarendon Code and why was it important?
The Clarendon Code was a series of four acts passed between 1661 and 1665, named after Lord Clarendon, Charles II's chief minister. It aimed to restore the authority of the Church of England and suppress nonconformists (Puritans, Catholics). The Corporation Act (1661) required all town officials to take Anglican communion; the Act of Uniformity (1662) made the Book of Common Prayer compulsory; the Conventicle Act (1664) banned religious meetings of more than five people outside the Church; and the Five Mile Act (1665) forbade nonconformist ministers from coming within five miles of a town. This code reinforced the Church of England's monopoly and caused resentment.
How did the Great Fire of London change the city?
The Great Fire destroyed about 13,200 houses, 87 churches, and St Paul's Cathedral. It led to major rebuilding under Sir Christopher Wren, who designed 51 new churches and the new St Paul's. New building regulations required houses to be built of brick or stone, and streets were widened to prevent future fires. The fire also ended the Great Plague (as the fire killed the rats and fleas) and led to the first fire insurance companies.
What was the Exclusion Crisis and why did it matter?
The Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681) was a political conflict over whether to exclude Charles II's Catholic brother James from the throne. The Whigs, led by the Earl of Shaftesbury, wanted to exclude James to prevent a Catholic monarch. The Tories, led by the Earl of Danby, supported the hereditary succession. Charles II dissolved Parliament three times to prevent the Exclusion Bill from passing. The crisis created the first political parties (Whigs and Tories) and highlighted the tension between Parliament and the crown.
Why did Charles II dissolve Parliament in 1681?
Charles II dissolved Parliament in 1681 because the Whig-dominated Commons was pushing the Exclusion Bill to bar his Catholic brother James from the throne. Charles wanted to protect the hereditary succession and his own authority. He called a new Parliament in Oxford, but when it also seemed likely to pass the bill, he dissolved it and ruled without Parliament for the last four years of his reign, relying on French subsidies.
What was the role of the Royal Society in Restoration England?
The Royal Society, founded in 1660, was a scientific institution that promoted experimental science and the sharing of knowledge. It was inspired by Francis Bacon's ideas and included members like Robert Boyle (chemistry), Robert Hooke (microscopy), and Isaac Newton (physics). The Society published the journal 'Philosophical Transactions' and conducted experiments on air pressure, gravity, and optics. It represented the shift from medieval superstition to modern science and was supported by Charles II, who was interested in science.