The Restoration

This era follows the execution of King Charles I by Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans. This marked the beginning of a 7 year civil war between Parliamentarians (The Roundheads) and Royalists (The Cavaliers).

The following 11 years are now known as The Commonwealth and had no reigning monarch. Charles II was exiled and hiding in France so that he didn't get the chop from Cromwell.

When Oliver Cromwell died in 1658, his son Richard took over. However Richard was pretty useless and had no real power so he resigned within the year, dissolving the Commonwealth, or The Protectorate as it was then called.

Oliver Cromwell

George Monck, the English Governor of Scotland seized the opportunity and led his forces to London. On his way there he took over any opposing forces and eventually he brought about the necessary political reforms that allowed the return of Charles II as King of the Isles. This marks the beginning of a new monarchy system. From these statutes and laws, the monarchy has no real power and must ultimately follow Parliament. This is the beginning of Constitutional Monarchy, should a reigning monarch defy Parliament, they will be removed from their reign.





George Monck



During the Puritan and Cromwell's regime, all theatres were closed in 1642. Performances were thus illegal and punishable by fine, torture, or death. During this time, public performances were nonexistent but some performers rebelled. They moved away from large cities into the countryside where they put on secret shows which were usually comedies and were short in length. All of these shows carried a dire risk and were therefore very secret. Only those who were trusted were invited to see them for fear of punishment.

William Beeston was given the remains of Salisbury Court Theatre in 1652 and he eventually rebuilt it in 1660. He is known to be one of the eras first managers in public theatres to have used scenery.

William Davenant was another leading playwright and also a poet during this time. He became Poet Laureate in 1638, after the death of Ben Jonson. He was even rumoured to be Shakespeare's son! Davenant, during the strict laws against theatrical performances, converted a room in his home, Rutland House, into a private theatre. It was here where he performed The Siege of Rhodes, which is now considered to be England's very first Opera and also the first public performance with a female actress on stage - Mrs. Cole. The first credited professional actress is in fact Margaret Hughes, the lover and partner of Prince Rupert of the Rhine.



Margaret Hughes