Carolean era

For the reign of the incumbent Charles III, see Charles III § Reign.

In the English-speaking world, Carolean era refers to the reign of Charles II (1660–1685) and usually refers to the music and arts of the time period.^[1] It is better known as The Restoration. This era followed the Interregnum, the time period when there was no monarch.^[1] The period was noted for the flourishing of the arts following the demise of The Protectorate. It ended with the Glorious Revolution of 1688 when James II of England & VII of Scotland went into exile.

Nell Gwyn, a courtesan, who rose to be the King's mistress and an icon of the Carolean era

The Carolean era should not be confused with the Caroline era, which refers to the reign of Charles II's father, Charles I (1625–1649). The phrase came into use again following the accession of King Charles III.

The Carolean Style

During The Restoration of the monarchy, the Carolean Style of art was born. In the time that Charles II was king, the English decortive art and literature of the time flourished.^[2] This era introduced French and Dutch artistic styles to England. Furniture was crafted with exotic materials, this allowed England to adopt and branch out taste in decorative art through their furniture.^[2]

The New Carolean Era

With the coronation of King Charles III comes the continuation of the Carolean Era. These transitions are important historical moments, signifying a new era for the country.^[3] The names of the eras are taken from the names of the current monarch.^[4]  The Elizabethan Era was taken from the name Elizabeth.^[4] With the transition of monarchs, the Carolean Era replaces the last.^[5] The term Carolean stems from the Latin name for Charles, Carolus.^[3]

After King Charles II reined England, Wales, and Ireland from 1660 to his death in 1685, the era was passed through monarchs; James II ruling from 1685 to 1688, William III and Mary II ruling from 1689 to 1702, Anne ruling from 1702 to 1714, George I ruling from 1714 to 1727, George II ruling from 1727 to 1760, George III ruling from 1760 to 1820, George IV ruling from 1820 to 1830, William IV ruling from 1830 to 1837, Victoria ruling from 1837 to 1901, Edward VII ruling from 1901 to 1910, George V ruling from 1910 to 1936, Edward VIII ruling in 1936, George VI ruling from 1936 to 1952, then finally onto Queen Elizabeth II ruling from 1952 to 2022.^[5] With the passing of the late queen, the continuation of the Carolean Era signifies an era in history that has not been seen in nearly 400 years.^[5]

Carolean Changes

With the introduction back into the Carolean Era comes a change in the Royal Cypher.^[6] The royal cypher changes with each monarch, correlating with their name.^[6] After Queen Elizabeth II's death, the royal cypher, EIIR, has been changed to CIIIR, another signature to the change of eras.^[6]

The reign of King Charles III introduces a modern Carolean Era.^[3] With this transition comes an updated change to the Carolean Era that was once held almost 400 years ago.^[3] The modern day Carolean Era differs from the Carolean Era during the reign of King Charles II as his Carolean Era was a period of flourishing arts.^[3] The modern Carolean Era refers to a significant change in history and society.^[3]     

See also

• Restoration (England)