The Restoration Age: Kings, Crises, and Comebacks

The Restoration Age in England, spanning roughly from 1660 to 1700, marks the return of the monarchy after a period of Puritan rule. When King Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, it signaled a dramatic shift in political and cultural life. The earlier Puritan regime under Oliver Cromwell had imposed strict moral codes, banning public celebrations, theater, and even colorful clothing. In contrast, Charles II’s court embraced elegance, wit, and pleasure, ushering in a more liberal and indulgent atmosphere. While the monarchy was restored, Parliament retained significant influence, leading to ongoing tensions—especially around religious succession. Key political events like the Exclusion Crisis and the Glorious Revolution (1688) reflected these struggles, ultimately steering England toward a constitutional monarchy.

In literature, the Restoration Age was a renaissance of satire, wit, and theatrical innovation. The reopening of theaters after years of suppression led to the rise of the Comedy of Manners—a genre that humorously critiqued the superficiality and flirtations of the aristocracy. Playwrights like William Wycherley used sharp dialogue and scandalous plots to expose social hypocrisy, as seen in works like The Country Wife. Alongside these comedies, heroic dramas flourished, presenting grand themes of honor and love in elevated language. Poetry also took on a political edge, with writers like John Dryden using verse to comment on contemporary issues. His Absalom and Achitophel, for instance, cleverly disguised political allegory within biblical narrative, blending literary artistry with pointed critique.

The Restoration Age matters because it represents a cultural reset—from repression to expression. It laid the foundation for modern satire and public discourse, with literature serving as both entertainment and social mirror. The period’s embrace of reason, irony, and theatricality continues to influence how we think about politics, identity, and the role of art in society.

GLOSSARY

The Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681) was a major political conflict in England during the reign of King Charles II. It centered on whether his brother, James, Duke of York, a devout Catholic, should be allowed to inherit the throne. Many in Parliament feared that James’s succession would lead to a return of Catholic absolutism, especially after the fabricated Popish Plot stirred anti-Catholic hysteria. This led to the rise of two political factions: the Whigs, who supported excluding James to protect Protestantism, and the Tories, who defended hereditary monarchy and opposed exclusion. Although several Exclusion Bills were introduced, none passed, as Charles II dissolved Parliament multiple times to prevent their success. The crisis not only deepened religious and political divisions but also marked the emergence of England’s first formal political parties.

The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a turning point in English history, resulting in the peaceful overthrow of King James II. His open Catholicism and authoritarian policies alienated much of Parliament and the Protestant majority. When James’s wife gave birth to a Catholic heir, fears of a lasting Catholic dynasty intensified. In response, a group of English nobles invited William of Orange, James’s Protestant son-in-law, to intervene. William arrived with an army, but James fled to France without resistance, allowing William and his wife Mary to assume the throne jointly. This revolution was termed “glorious” because it involved no widespread violence. It led to the passing of the Bill of Rights (1689), which limited royal power, affirmed parliamentary authority, and secured Protestant succession. The event firmly established England as a constitutional monarchy and reshaped the balance between crown and Parliament.