Question 1

What is the historic environment in Restoration England for AQA GCSE?

Accepted Answer

The historic environment is a specific site from the Restoration period that you study in depth. For AQA, this could be the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, or a Restoration palace like Ham House. You need to understand how the site reflects the political, social, and cultural changes of the era, and be able to analyse sources related to it.

Question 2

Why was the Restoration important for the development of science?

Accepted Answer

The Restoration saw the founding of the Royal Society in 1660, which promoted experimental science and challenged old ideas. Charles II was a patron of science, and figures like Robert Hooke and Christopher Wren made breakthroughs in physics, astronomy, and architecture. The Royal Observatory was built to solve the problem of longitude, showing how science was linked to trade and empire.

Question 3

How did the Great Fire of London change the city?

Accepted Answer

The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed about 13,200 houses and 87 churches, but it led to a rebuilding programme under Christopher Wren. New buildings were made of brick and stone, streets were widened, and St Paul's Cathedral was rebuilt in a grand Baroque style. The fire also improved fire safety regulations and led to the creation of the first fire insurance companies.

Question 4

What were the main religious conflicts during Restoration England?

Accepted Answer

The main conflict was between the Anglican Church, which was the official state church, and Catholics and Nonconformists (Puritans). The Clarendon Code (1661-1665) restricted the rights of Nonconformists, and the Test Acts (1673) barred Catholics from public office. Charles II's secret Catholic sympathies and his brother James's open Catholicism caused political crises, leading to the Exclusion Crisis (1679-1681).

Question 5

How should I revise the historic environment for my exam?

Accepted Answer

Start by learning the key features of your site: its location, purpose, and how it changed over time. Create a timeline of events related to the site. Practice analysing sources about the site, considering their reliability and what they reveal about Restoration society. Finally, write practice answers linking the site to broader themes like monarchy, science, or religion.

Question 6

What is the difference between the Restoration and the Glorious Revolution?

Accepted Answer

The Restoration (1660) brought back the monarchy under Charles II after the Civil War and Commonwealth. The Glorious Revolution (1688) replaced James II with William and Mary, establishing a constitutional monarchy with a Bill of Rights. The Restoration was about restoring the old order, while the Glorious Revolution limited royal power and confirmed Parliament's supremacy.

The historic environment of Restoration England

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