This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Chuljin (talk | contribs) at 22:08, 14 September 2004 (clarify the first sentence of 'The Republican new nobility', which previously could have suggested that the constitution gave the King the power to bestow titles on the Lord Protector). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 22:08, 14 September 2004 by Chuljin (talk | contribs) (clarify the first sentence of 'The Republican new nobility', which previously could have suggested that the constitution gave the King the power to bestow titles on the Lord Protector)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The English Restoration or simply Restoration was an episode in the history of Britain beginning in 1660, when the monarchy was restored under King Charles II after the English Civil War. Theatres reopened after having been closed during the protectorship of Oliver Cromwell, Puritanism lost its momentum, and the bawdy Restoration comedy became a recognisable genre.
The term Restoration may apply both to the actual event by which the British monarchy was restored, and to the period immediately following the accession of Charles II.
The Commonwealth which had preceded the Restoration might have continued a little longer, had Oliver Cromwell's son, Richard Cromwell, shown any inclination to carry on his father's policies - but Britain was not yet ready to be a republic. George Monck, governor of Scotland under the Cromwells, instituted military rule when the younger Cromwell resigned his position in 1659; Monck then began negotiations for Charles to return from exile, an event which took place on May 23, 1660. Later in London, on May 29, he was restored as King.
In the aftermath of his return, Charles took belated vengeance on those responsible for the execution of his father, King Charles I. Oliver Cromwell's body was exhumed and hung in chains, and those who had signed the late king's death warrant (the "regicides") were themselves condemned to death. In general, however, Charles gained a reputation as an easy-going, fun-loving king, and represented a complete contrast to the restrictive rule of Cromwell. He enjoyed horse-racing and was a great patron of the arts.
The Republican new nobility
The Commonwealth's written constitutions gave to the Lord Protector the King's power to grant titles of honour. Cromwell created over thirty new knights. These were all declared invalid at the Restoration of Charles II. Many were regranted by the restored King, but being non-hereditary, these titles have long since become extinct.
Of the 12 Cromwellian baronetcies, Charles II regranted half of them. Only two now continue: Sir George Howland Francis Beaumont, 12th baronet, and Sir Richard Thomas Williams-Bulkeley, 14th baronet, are the direct successors of Sir Thomas Beaumont and Sir Griffith Williams.
Edmund Dunch was created Baron Burnell of East Wittenham in April 1658, but it was not regranted. The male line failed in 1719, so no one can lay claim to the title.
The one hereditary viscountcy Cromwell created (making Charles Howard Viscount Howard of Morpeth and Baron Gilsland) continues to this day. In April 1661 Howard was created Earl of Carlisle, Viscount Howard of Morpeth, and Baron Dacre of Gillesland. The present Earl is a direct descendant of this Cromwellian creation and Restoration recreation.