Charles II

            Born in 1630, Charles II was the second son of Charles I and Henrietta Marie of France. He grew up fighting Parliament's Roundhead forces until his father's execution in 1649. He then roamed Europe until he was invited back to London. On his 30th birthday, May 29, 1660, Charles II claimed the throne. This was a turning point in English political history. Parliament now held a position superior to the king. Also, the modern concepts of political parties were formed. The former Cavaliers formed the Tory Party. Basically this party was made up of royalists intent on putting the king over Parliament. The Roundheads formed the Whig Party. These were men of property trying to expand trade abroad and maintain Parliament supremacy. .
             When Charles accepted the position of king, he felt there needed to be a few changes. His first line of business was pardoning those who rebelled against or condemned his father. He bade all violence toward them to cease. Crown and church lands were restored immediately to their proper owners. Then Charles paid and disbanded most of the army, leaving only three forces to defend the country. He was constantly asking Parliament for money to fund his "little changes". In 1662, he married the Portuguese princess, Catherine of Braganza, to ensure good relations between England and Portugal. They bore no legitimate children. Charles II was very intelligent and a patron of scientific research. He even built an observatory in Greenwich Park. .
             The period of Charles II's kingship was known as the Restoration. Royal power was returned to England and the Angelican Church was reestablished as the official church. Laws were passed against Puritans limiting their worship and political rights. People were valued for cleverness and wit rather than wisdom or integrity. Even the royal court of Charles II was known for immorality and loose living. .
             Charles II's reign was beset by many problems.