Charles II (Hardback)
From the Cradle to the Crown
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 240
Illustrations: 26 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781399064514
Published: 30th June 2025
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As a powerful king who embraced a permissive society, Charles II shaped the culture of Restoration England, but who and what shaped Charles?
Though his mother Henrietta Maria labelled him ‘ugly’, he was adored as a child, a sweet-tempered Prince of Wales. Some people seemed too fond of his playful instincts, and his education suffered while sports and royal ceremonies excited him. Steps were taken to ‘unboy’ him quickly so he could handle his future role, the ruling of three kingdoms, but English civil war brought too much too soon.
Aged 12, Charles faced charging Roundhead cavalry at Edgehill, and in his teens, he led Cavalier efforts in the West Country and Jersey before taking naval command at sea. Courageous, intelligent and sociable, he appeared a fine king-to-be. However, with regicide befalling his father, revolution then saw the monarchy abolished. In desperation after this, Charles abandoned episcopacy, infiltrated European politics and dealt in conspiracy, risking all for Stuart restoration. With his Scottish coronation behind him, execution for invasion threatened, Oliver Cromwell having trounced him in battle at Worcester, and continued exile pushed the increasingly promiscuous Charles around Catholic, Presbyterian and republican nations until an invitation came from Parliament.
This book examines Charles as a prince and pauper from his birth in 1630 to his thirtieth birthday – Restoration Day. It studies the feminine influences on his development, considers his early sex life, and addresses rumours regarding the succession. Giving a clearer picture of young Charles, it shows the making of the Merry Monarch.
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About Claire Hobson
Claire Hobson established a freelance career in proofreading in 2007 and branched into copywriting over the next few years, often for the Icelandic tourism industry. However, pursuing writing as a hobby in the 2010s, she embarked on historical fiction and quickly developed a big interest in Stuart history. This drew her to research and nonfiction. As a fundraiser for mental health charity Mind, Claire has organised and promoted Restoration-themed events involving leading historians. Through these, she produced regular history content on social media and scripted features for talks, but she now devotes more time to books, delving deeper into the seventeenth century.
Charles II's Illegitimate Children Royal Bastards (Hardback)
Charles II had at least twelve illegitimate children that we know of. Although his queen, Catherine of Braganza, fell pregnant several times she was not able to bear any children to full term. The king, who was known for his many mistresses, had his first recognised child out of wedlock in 1649; the child was James Croft who would become Duke of Monmouth and mastermind of an infamous rebellion. Not all of his children would gain such notoriety but they would live long and full lives creating a Stuart bloodline that descends to the present day. There was Nell Gywn’s son, Charles Beauclerk, Duke…
By Sarah-Beth WatkinsClick here to buy both titles for £30.80