📕 Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History
What was the Restoration?
Correct answer: The return of Charles II as king in 1660
A The rebuilding of London
✓ The return of Charles II as king in 1660
C The restoration of the Catholic Church
D The rebuilding of Parliament
💡 Explanation
The Restoration was the return of Charles II as king in 1660.
Key facts to remember
- Charles II restored to throne in 1660 — the Restoration
- Reopened theatres and encouraged arts and sciences
- Royal Society founded during his reign
- Great Plague 1665 killed ~100,000
- Great Fire of London 1666 destroyed much of the city
- Sir Christopher Wren designed new St Paul's Cathedral
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 3.3.10 The Restoration:
After the collapse of the Commonwealth, Charles II (son of Charles I) was invited to return from exile and become king in 1660. This event is known as the Restoration. Charles II was a popular king who reopened the theatres and encouraged the arts and sciences. His reign saw the founding of the Royal Society, which promoted scientific discovery.
During Charles II's reign, London suffered two major disasters: the Great Plague of 1665, which killed about 100,000 people, and the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed much of the city. After the fire, London was rebuilt with wider streets and brick buildings. Sir Christopher Wren designed the new St Paul's Cathedral and many other churches.
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