English Civil War
Template:War
The English Civil War was a series of conflicts fought between supporters of King Charles I and Parliament, who disputed the degree of control the other group ought to have over the country.
After two periods of conflict, Charles I was executed in 1649, and England became a republic ruled by Parliament. His son Charles II returned from exile in the Dutch Republic and gathered an army from Scotland, Wales and Gloucestershire. He lost the war at the Battle of Worcester, where Oliver Cromwell's larger force routed the Royalists. Charles escaped via St. Martin's Gate after the Earl of Cleveland led a diversionary cavalry charge.
Aftermath
Charles II evaded Roundhead scouts and eventually escaped to France by boat. He lived out most of his exile in Breda.
In the meantime, a Cavalier group began undermining Cromwell's control with General George Monck, while sending letters bearing an unfamiliar seal to keep Charles II informed.
Cromwell dissolved Parliament in 1653, and was soon invited to be appointed Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland. Seven years later, Charles' contact informed him the usurper was dead, and that Cromwell's son would soon abdicate.
In the ensuing chaos, Monck took control of London, and wrote to Charles that Parliament would restore him on the throne if he granted amnesty to his father's enemies. This he did, and he returned to England, where he undid Cromwell's Puritan policies, including the restoration of traditional Christmas celebrations.
During his coronation at Westminster Abbey, Charles noticed Monck speaking to a man holding an Apple of Eden, but had to bow to receive his crown before he saw anything more.
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