The Restoration of the Stuart Monarchy: A Pivotal Return

The year 1660 marked a transformative moment in British history: the definitive Restoration of the Stuart monarchy across the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland. This momentous event saw King Charles II, son of the executed Charles I, return triumphantly from his long exile in continental Europe. His arrival heralded the end of a radical republican experiment and the re-establishment of the traditional monarchical system.

This period immediately preceding Charles II's return, often characterized by profound political and social upheaval, is formally known as the Interregnum. Lasting from 1649, following the execution of King Charles I and the abolition of the monarchy, until 1660, it encompassed the Commonwealth of England and, subsequently, the military rule of the Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell and his son, Richard Cromwell. The Restoration was not merely a change in leadership but a complex reordering of state, church, and society after years of civil conflict and unprecedented governance.

Defining the "Restoration" Period: More Than Just a Date

While 1660 marks the singular event of the monarchy's return, the term "Restoration" extends its meaning significantly in historical discourse. Initially, it refers to the crucial several years immediately following Charles II's accession, during which a comprehensive new political and religious settlement was meticulously established. This involved not only the re-establishment of the monarchy and the House of Lords but also the dominant position of the Anglican Church, through legislation such as the Clarendon Code, and a redefinition of the relationship between Crown and Parliament after the turmoil of the Civil Wars.

More broadly, the term frequently encompasses the entirety of King Charles II's reign (1660–1685). This era is renowned for its cultural vibrancy, often dubbed the "Merry Monarch" period, marked by the reopening of theatres, the rise of Restoration comedy, and significant scientific advancements, including the founding of the Royal Society in 1660. It was a time of rebuilding and social realignment after the austerity of the Interregnum, despite challenges such as the Great Plague of London (1665) and the Great Fire of London (1666).

In many historical and literary contexts, the "Restoration" period is further extended to include the brief, yet impactful, reign of Charles II's younger brother, King James II (1685–1688). James's open Catholicism and perceived absolutist tendencies ultimately led to growing political and religious tensions, culminating in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw his deposition and the accession of William III and Mary II.

In its broadest interpretation, particularly in cultural and artistic studies, the Restoration era can span the entire period of the later Stuart monarchs, stretching until the death of Queen Anne in 1714 and the subsequent accession of the Hanoverian King George I. This expanded scope acknowledges the enduring influence of the Restoration's political and cultural foundations well into the early 18th century. For instance, the distinctive genre of Restoration comedy, known for its witty, often cynical portrayal of manners and society, continued to see new works written and performed as late as 1710, exemplifying the longevity of the period's cultural impact.

Key Features of the Broader Restoration Era (1660-1714):

• Political Consolidation: Re-establishment of monarchical authority alongside a powerful Parliament, leading to a unique balance of power.
• Religious Settlement: Dominance of the Anglican Church, with significant implications for nonconformist groups.
• Cultural Flourishing: A golden age for English theatre, poetry, and prose, characterized by wit, satire, and a shift from Puritan austerity.
• Scientific Advancement: Formation of the Royal Society and significant strides in empirical inquiry.
• Imperial Expansion: Continued growth and consolidation of the British colonial empire.
• Union with Scotland (1707): The creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain under Queen Anne.

The Fifth Monarchists: Millenarian Zeal in a Time of Upheaval

Emerging from the tumultuous backdrop of the 17th-century English Civil Wars and the subsequent Commonwealth period, the Fifth Monarchists, also known as Fifth Monarchy Men, constituted an extreme Puritan sect active primarily between 1649 and 1660. They were a vivid manifestation of the intense religious and political ferment that characterized the Interregnum, fueled by apocalyptic expectations and a profound desire for radical societal transformation.

Their Prophetic Beliefs and Origins:

The very name of the Fifth Monarchists stemmed directly from a powerful and literal interpretation of biblical prophecy, specifically from the Book of Daniel (Chapters 2 and 7). According to their understanding, Daniel's prophecies foretold a sequence of four great earthly monarchies that would precede the ultimate, eternal reign. These were traditionally identified as:

• The Babylonian Empire (represented by gold)
• The Medo-Persian Empire (represented by silver)
• The Macedonian (Greek) Empire under Alexander the Great (represented by bronze)
• The Roman Empire (represented by iron)

The Fifth Monarchists believed that the collapse of the "carnal" Stuart monarchy and the ensuing Civil Wars marked the end of the fourth, Roman-derived empire, paving the way for the imminent establishment of the Fifth Monarchy: the glorious, universal kingdom of Christ on Earth. They envisioned a reign of saints, chosen by God, who would help bring about this divine government, often through militant action against earthly authorities deemed corrupt or ungodly.

Their apocalyptic expectations were further underscored by references to the year 1666 and its ominous relationship to the biblical "Number of the Beast" (666), as detailed in the Book of Revelation. For the Fifth Monarchists, this date symbolized the impending end of earthly rule by "carnal human beings" and the ushering in of God's direct governance. This fervent belief in a divinely ordained, imminent kingdom often led them to denounce existing legal and political structures, advocating for a direct rule based solely on biblical law.

Impact and Legacy:

While they initially found some common ground with the Parliamentarian cause during the Civil Wars, their radicalism and uncompromising demand for a "reign of saints" soon put them at odds with more pragmatic leaders like Oliver Cromwell. They grew increasingly disillusioned with the Protectorate, viewing Cromwell's rule as a betrayal of their divine mission.

The Restoration of 1660 posed a direct challenge to their entire belief system. Their continued attempts at insurrection, most notably Thomas Venner's rising in London in January 1661, demonstrated their refusal to accept the return of the monarchy. These actions, though ultimately unsuccessful, fueled fears of radical Puritanism and led to severe repression of such dissenting groups. The Fifth Monarchists were but one, albeit extreme, example of the myriad nonconformist dissenting groups—such as Quakers, Baptists, and Diggers—that emerged in the fertile religious landscape of 17th-century England, each seeking their own path to spiritual and societal reform.

What was the main event of the Restoration?

The primary event was the return of King Charles II from exile in 1660, marking the re-establishment of the Stuart monarchy in England, Scotland, and Ireland after the period of the Commonwealth and Protectorate.

How long did the Restoration period last?

The term "Restoration" has varied interpretations: it can refer to the immediate years following 1660 for political settlement, the entire reign of Charles II (1660-1685), or broadly, the reigns of Charles II and James II (1660-1688). In cultural contexts, it may extend as far as 1714, encompassing works influenced by the era's initial spirit.

Who were the Fifth Monarchists?

The Fifth Monarchists were an extreme Puritan sect active during the Interregnum (1649-1660) who believed that the four ancient biblical monarchies had ended, and the fifth—the direct kingdom of Christ on Earth—was imminent. They advocated for establishing this kingdom, sometimes through force, based on prophecies from the Book of Daniel and Revelation.