Charles II

Charles II (1630 - 1685) was recognised as king of England and Scotland by royalists on the execution of his father in January 1649, but was unable to make good his right at the time. Defeated at the battle of Worcester, he fled abroad until invited back by the English parliament in 1660. His reign is usually dated from that time. Ostensibly an Anglican, he secretly converted to catholicism before his death, and his foreign policy reflected his unwillingness to support protestant countries. He founded the Royal Society. Like other monarchs of his time, he openly kept mistresses by whom he had children, but he failed to produce a legitimate heir. On his death, his brother succeeded as James VII and II.