A revolution in sociability took place among the genteel and ‘middling’ classes of 18th-century England, as visiting friends of similar social status became a leisure pursuit in itself, especially among women,writes Amanda Vickery.
John Spiller assesses James I’s impact on the Puritans and the Puritans’ impact on James I.
Charles II was the only king of England for two hundred years to survive exile and return to power. Anna Keay considers how he kept up his regal appearances whilst in exile, paving the way for his return to the throne.
Richard Cavendish marks a failed attempt on the Scottish and English thrones by the last Stuart pretender, on March 23rd, 1708.
John Spiller examines interpretations of the role of Parliament in the reign of the first Stuart king.
Richard Cust reassesses the thinking behind the biggest military blunder of the English Civil War, Charles I’s decision to fight the New Model Army at Naseby in June 1645.
Tim Harris explores the political spin, intolerance and repression that underlay Charles II’s relaxed image, and which led him into a deep crisis in 1678-81 yet also enabled him to survive it.
Pauline Croft analyses the causes and traces the consequences of a momentous Treaty.
Joshua Shotton defends a much-maligned statesman.
Simon Thurley explains why the first Stuarts kept the great Tudor palace virtually intact.
