This deep dive covers The Restoration Settlement within The Restoration for GCSE History. Revise The Restoration in Restoration England 1660-1685 for GCSE History with 10 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 4 of 15 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🔑 The Restoration Settlement
Political: Charles was king, but Parliament had increased power. He couldn't raise taxes without them. Annual sessions required (Triennial Act repealed but Parliament still essential).
Financial: Charles given income of £1.2 million per year from customs and excise. In theory. In practice, often short — making him dependent on Parliament or foreign subsidies.
Legal: Prerogative courts (royal courts like the Star Chamber that bypassed common law juries) stayed abolished. King subject to common law.
Religious: Charles personally wanted tolerance (especially for Catholics). Parliament imposed a stricter settlement — the Clarendon Code would follow.
Practice questions for The Restoration
On what date did Charles II ride into London to restore the monarchy?
Why was Richard Cromwell nicknamed 'Tumbledown Dick'?