-
1 of 253523 objects
Two letters from His Majesty : the one to the Speaker of the Commons assembled in Parliament, the other to His Excellencie the Lord Generall Monck : with His Majesties declaration inclosed, together with the resolve of the House thereupon. 1660
Twentieth-century binding. Half-leather bound in red goatskin. | 27.0 x 17.8 x 1.1 cm (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1047529

Charles II, King of Great Britain (1630-85)
Two letters from His Majesty : the one to the Speaker of the Commons assembled in Parliament, the other to His Excellencie the Lord Generall Monck : with His Majesties declaration inclosed, together with the resolve of the House thereupon 1660

Charles II, King of Great Britain (1630-85)
Two letters from His Majesty : the one to the Speaker of the Commons assembled in Parliament, the other to His Excellencie the Lord Generall Monck : with His Majesties declaration inclosed, together with the resolve of the House thereupon 1660

Charles II, King of Great Britain (1630-85)
Two letters from His Majesty : the one to the Speaker of the Commons assembled in Parliament, the other to His Excellencie the Lord Generall Monck : with His Majesties declaration inclosed, together with the resolve of the House thereupon 1660

Charles II, King of Great Britain (1630-85)
Two letters from His Majesty : the one to the Speaker of the Commons assembled in Parliament, the other to His Excellencie the Lord Generall Monck : with His Majesties declaration inclosed, together with the resolve of the House thereupon 1660

Charles II, King of Great Britain (1630-85)
Two letters from His Majesty : the one to the Speaker of the Commons assembled in Parliament, the other to His Excellencie the Lord Generall Monck : with His Majesties declaration inclosed, together with the resolve of the House thereupon 1660






-
Written in April 1660 by Charles and his advisers at Breda, where Charles had moved swiftly from the more politically problematic Brussels, this declaration can be said to have sealed Charles's return to the British throne. It was instigated by Charles's correspondence with the British military commander General Monck, whose army had come to control the country. In the declaration Charles states that kingship is his 'Right, which God and Nature hath made Our Due', but he allows that there will be a free parliament, by which he will be advised. He presents the prospect of restoration of the monarchy in terms of staunching bleeding wounds and healing the country, and makes it clear that the change of regime is to be 'quiet and peaceable', and 'with as little Blood, and Damage to our People as is possible'. The declaration was read in parliament on 1st May, and these words, together with Charles's promises of religious toleration, a general pardon, and his agreement to fund the British army's pay arrears, convinced parliament to vote for his return to the throne. Parliament then resolved that the declaration, together with Charles's conciliatory letters to the Speaker of the House of Commons and to General Monck, should be printed for the public, and this pamphlet was issued within the following few days.
Provenance
Presented to the Royal Library by Lady Eveline Maude, 31 October 1963
-
Creator(s)
(printer)(publisher)Acquirer(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Twentieth-century binding. Half-leather bound in red goatskin.
Measurements
27.0 x 17.8 x 1.1 cm (book measurement (conservation))
Category
Subject(s)
Other number(s)
ESTC : English Short Title Catalogue Citation Number – ESTC R205472RL acq. 1920-77: Books added to Royal Library, Windsor Castle 1 January 1920 to February 1977 – RL acq. 1920-77 31 Oct. 1963Alternative title(s)
Declaration of Breda