In this topic
What to be able to answer
- Know the 1660 Restoration and the Great Plague/Fire dates.
- Recognise Habeas Corpus, Royal Society, Halley and Newton.
- Connect William and Mary, Battle of the Boyne, Jacobites and Bill of Rights.
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Plague, fire, science and the triumph of Parliament
In May 1660, Parliament invited Charles II to come back from exile in the Netherlands. He was crowned king and made it clear he had ‘no wish to go on his travels again’. The Church of England was re-established as the official Church, and both Roman Catholics and Puritans were kept out of power.
During Charles II's reign, in 1665, there was a major outbreak of plague in London. Thousands of people died, especially in poorer areas. The following year, 1666, a great fire destroyed much of the city, including many churches and St Paul's Cathedral. London was rebuilt with a new St Paul's designed by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren.
Restoration to Bill of Rights
This topic is about monarchy returning, then Parliament's power being fixed in law.
- 16601660
Restoration
Parliament invited Charles II back; the Church of England was re-established.
- 1665/16661665/1666
Plague and fire
London suffered plague, then the Great Fire; Wren designed the new St Paul's.
- 16791679
Habeas Corpus Act
No one can be held unlawfully; every prisoner has a right to a court hearing.
- Royal SocietyRoyal Society
Science
Halley and Newton were early members; Newton explained gravity and white light.
- 1688/16901688/1690
Glorious Revolution
William and Mary replaced James II; William defeated James at the Boyne.
- 16891689
Bill of Rights
Confirmed Parliament's rights, limited royal power and required a Protestant monarch.
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