The Restoration and key 17th-century laws
Study note
After the death of Oliver Cromwell, the republic he had led came to an end, and Parliament invited the royal family back. In 1660 the monarchy was restored when Charles II became king. This period is known as the Restoration. It was Charles II who returned to the throne, not James II, William of Orange or George I, who all came later.
This was also a time when important laws strengthened people's rights. The Habeas Corpus Act of 1679 protected people from being imprisoned unlawfully, giving them the right to be brought before a court rather than held without a fair hearing. It was about protection from unlawful imprisonment, not about taxes, the army or property. Remember two dates: 1660 for the Restoration of Charles II, and 1679 for the Habeas Corpus Act.
Memory tip: 1660 Restoration (Charles II); 1679 Habeas Corpus stops unlawful imprisonment.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 2
What did the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679 protect people from?
Show all questions and answers for The Restoration and key 17th-century laws(2 questions with explanations)
The Restoration and key 17th-century laws: questions, answers and explanations
1. What did the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679 protect people from?
- Being imprisoned unlawfully
- Paying taxes
- Owning property
- Joining the army
Correct answer: Being imprisoned unlawfully
The Habeas Corpus Act of 1679 protected people from unlawful imprisonment.
2. Which king was restored to the throne in 1660?
- George I
- James II
- William of Orange
- Charles II
Correct answer: Charles II
The monarchy was restored in 1660 when Charles II became king.
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