This book offers a detailed overview of the scholarship around the Restoration and the reign of Charles II. It delves into important factors such as the church, taxation, and the legacy of the civil wars. It is packed with interesting primary sources that will enable students to engage with the past and will encourage great discussions on the topic. The book effectively explains the difficulties involved in restoring a king to the throne, and it is therefore the perfect starting point for understanding the complexity of the topic and for engaging with the other sources.

This book tackles the political and constitutional crisis of Charles II’s reign and what it meant for him to be restored in the midst of turbulence and violence. The different factions and how they influenced the king’s attitude towards his people are at the centre of the research. The book also reveals the king’s human qualities: though remembered rightly as a ‘merry monarch’, Charles used his considerable leadership skills in an attempt to bring back stability and prosperity to his countries after decades of tragedy and political turmoil.

This book is a great companion to the works by Miller and Harris. Porter focuses on the dynamics within the court of Charles II by discussing the women who played a part in his life. The book is not particularly explicit, but you may choose to use it selectively, or for your own reference only. Too often, Charles’ mistresses are remembered solely for being sexually involved with the king. In fact, through their intimacy with the monarch, they often developed their own political networks – wielding significant political power among courtiers, especially if they bore sons. In this book, these women are at the centre of the political and cultural life of Charles II’s country, revealing how they influenced Restoration England and giving the opportunity to initiate discussions about the roles of women during Charles II’s reign. You might want to explain how the themes of sex and scandals were often interlinked with those of power during the early modern period.

This clip explains what the Test Act was and how it became a fundamental tool for the Protestants. 

Test your students' knowledge with these questions on the above clip.
Includes a Vocabulary section and a Take It Further challenge.

Test your students' knowledge with these questions on the above clip (with answer key).
Includes a Vocabulary section and a Take It Further challenge.

An insight into Charles II's extra-conjugal relationships, and how they affected his relationship with his wife.