Inquiry: Jenny Uglow: A GAMBLING MAN: CHARLES IIs RESTORATION GAME

When Charles II returned to Britain to restore the monarchy in 1660, it was a pivotal time for that nation. Exhausted after suffering through the seemingly endless bloody battles of Cromwell’s reign, the British people then made a choice that explains why today there is still a monarchy in Britain. Youthful and flamboyant Charles II set a new standard for modernity at Whitechapel. He loved tennis, boating, gadding about in the park, and dallying often with his mistresses. But most of all, he wanted to heal the wounds of the revolution.  But Parliament, who held the purse strings, had other agendas. Like revenge and religious persecution. So Cromwell’s corpse was unearthed and put on trial and hung. And that was just for starters. Tune into tonight as Inquiry welcomes back noted British historian JENNY UGLOW for part one of a lively conversation about what life was like at the time of big wigs, old London and delicious court intrigue. Her wonderfully rich and entertaining history is A GAMBLING MAN: CHARLES II’S RESTORATION GAME.