Charles II (AW64)

Charles II (1630-1685) spent nine years in exile following the Royalists’ defeat in the Civil War and the execution of his father, Charles I.
Charles’ restoration to the throne in 1661 gave the name to a reign which swept away a decade of puritanism with a vengeance. He established a lively, flamboyant and hedonistic court where the pursuit of pleasure, art and love were the order of the day. A cultured man, he was patron of Christopher Wren and counted Isaac Newton among his friends.
The Merry Monarch adored dogs. It was said he rarely went anywhere without several toy spaniels at his heels.