A Summary of The Restoration of Charles II

A Summary of The Restoration of Charles II

by Megan

(From General Monck by Maurice Ashley)

General Monck was an influential leader in the restoration of England in 1660.  Monck came to London, England on February 3rd with the goal to “re-establish a stable government”(192).  Monck wanted a king, an undivided church, and a loyal parliament.  He planned to accomplish this goal through a strategic plan that would not be revealed until the last moment.  When Monck arrived in England his first act, as commander-in-chief was to pay off the mutinous soldiers to leave London.  He did not want any fiction amongst his army.  He went along with the restoration of the Rump and acclaimed its success to God.  Monck made his first move to change Parliament when he voted to create a parliament where members could be elected without taking an oath.  This declaration was not popular with the House of Parliament, but was meant to give Monck the added time he needed.  The Londoners wanted a free parliament and when Monck did not give them their request immediately “the city refused to pay taxes as long as the rump stayed in power” (197).  Monck tore down posts and chains but would not remove the gates and portcullises of the city showing that he was complacent with Parliament but would not anger the citizens any further.  On February 10^th Monck revolted against Parliament, left Whitehall, asked for new elections immediately, and wanted to repair the damage he had created in the city.  Monck was demoted to one of five commissioners but was making progress towards his cause.  On February 17th Monck met with Hesilrige, Scott, and other Rumpers to create a national settlement.  After much debate and a storming of the House of Parliament an unconditional Parliament was created (despite much friction with Colonel John Okey). Ninety percent of Parliament was in favor of the restoration of Charles II.  Monck was elected Knight of the Shire for Devonshire, commander-in-chief, (in England, Scotland, and Ireland), and General-at-Sea with Edward Mountagu.  On May 25 the King came to Dover and promised free/general pardon, liberty to general consciences, and that parliament would decide land sales (207).  Monck was honored with the insignia of the Order of the Garter and was honored for being the one to bring about the unconditional restoration of Charles II.

Ashley, Maurice.  “15 The Restoration of Charles II.”  General Monck.

            London:  Jonathan Cape, 1977.  192-210.