The Restoration of the Monarchy in England and France

Charles II and his brother James Duke of York (James II) in 1660 upon their return to England after years of exile

 I have written a novel about the Bourbon Restoration and am working on one about the Stuart Restoration. From Charles Coulombe:

Despite enormous amounts of internal plotting and occasional violent opposition – often centred in either country’s “Celtic Fringe” – neither revolutionary regime was ended by internal action on the part of the exiled Monarch’s supporters.  Rather, in the case of the British Isles, Restoration was imposed by General Monck and the army; in France, it was the victorious Allies of 1814 and 1815.  Nevertheless, in both countries, once the deed was done, the returning Kings were greeted rapturously by their once-estranged and now chastened subjects.

Both Restorations saw an explosion in literature and the other arts.  The London stage, freed from Puritan suppression, turned out and performed endless numbers of plays, while the surviving Cavalier poets happily turned out masterpieces.  Romanticism, in full swing upon the return of the King to Paris, was dizzying in effect upon all of the arts.  Both Restorations were heavily equipped with dandies and wits of all sorts, enjoying the revival of intellectual freedom the respective restored Monarchies brought in their wake.

Another happy benefit of the Restorations in both countries was the revival of Catholicism.  In the British Isles, it was partial, but still very much in the air.  St. Claude de La Colombiere was the confessor for some time to Charles II’s Catholic Queen, Catherine of Braganza, and the King would enter the Church on his deathbed.  In France, the Church began a rapid programme of revival that would outlast the Restoration and encompass most of the 19^th century; but its roots were definitely laid down during this era.

Both Restorations had a particular drawback, which was a rise in public immorality of all sorts.  In part this was because the revolutionary regimes had been so very oppressive.  Liberation did not just mean the freedom to do the right thing – it also meant that fallen nature would have its way.  Nor did it help that neither restored  King – Charles II nor Louis XVIII – had a tremendous reputation for morality – and both would die without any legitimate children.  But they both did have enormous charm. (Read more.)

Share

USA and Israeli Forces Attack Iran

 From CDM:

The attack on Iran is large-scale and is expected to continue for at least several days, reports NYT. First wave of Iranian ballistic missiles launched toward Israel. 30 missiles reportedly fired. Yemen's Houthis will resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor. IRGC: In response to the aggression of the hostile and criminal enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first wave of large-scale missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran toward the occupied territories has begun.

Israel's Defence Minister says Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the state. A missile and drone attack on Israel is expected in the immediate timeframe. Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared a nationwide special state of emergency and urged the public to follow Home Front Command instructions and remain in protected areas.

IDF spokesperson says that starting Saturday at 8:00 a.m., the country will shift from full activity to essential activity only. Schools, gatherings, and most workplaces are suspended, except for essential services. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on airstrikes in Iran: There is no coalition and opposition — there is one people and one army, and we all stand behind it, reported Clash Report.

About 30 targets across Iran have been struck so far, including the Iranian President’s residence and an intelligence headquarters, Israeli reports claim. Iran closes its entire airspace as strikes hit Qom, Khorramabad, Isfahan, and Tehran. (Read more.)

Share

The Merlin Mound

 From the BBC:

Demolition work will start in April at the site of a neolithic monument where – legend has it – the bones of King Arthur's magician Merlin are buried. In November, Wiltshire Council gave Marlborough College permission to knock down 20th-century buildings cut into the side of the 4,000-year-old man-made hill. A carpentry workshop, toilets, plant room, water meter and pump will all be demolished. The works will enable archaeologists to investigate a cross-section of the Marlborough Mound, which sits in the grounds of Marlborough College.

According to legend, Merlin's connection to the town gave Marlborough its motto – "'ubi nunc sapientis ossa Merlini" or "where now are the bones of the wise Merlin". Following the Norman conquest, William the Conqueror ordered a castle to be built on the site. The 62ft (19m) tall hill is the second tallest of its kind, with nearby Silbury Hill taking the top spot. The buildings will be "taken down slowly, with an archaeologist present", according to the Marlborough Mound Trust, which is working with the college on the project.

Although it is unlikely anything significant will be found under the buildings, traces of medieval waterways could be uncovered which could give a more "visually pleasing" setting for the monument, according to an archaeological assessment. The mound is not open to the public, although an annual open day is held each summer, for which tickets are issued. (Read more.)

Share