Carolean era
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.
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
[edit]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 liturature 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
[edit]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
[edit]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 Elizabeths death, the Royal Cypher, ER, has been changed to CR, another signature to the change of eras.[6]
The rein 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 rein 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
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Carolean era: This is what it will be known as under King Charles III as reign begins". Yorkshire Evening Post. 2022-09-10. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b "Restoration style", Wikipedia, 2025-01-02, retrieved 2025-05-06
- ^ a b c d e f "The New Carolean Age | The Royal Mint". www.royalmint.com. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b "What will era of King Charles III be known as?". The Independent. 2022-09-11. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b c "Kings and Queens of England & Britain". Historic UK. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b c "The Carolean age, money and stamps: What has changed since the Queen's death?". Sky News. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
Further reading
[edit]- Hayden, Judy A. "From Caroline Tears to Carolean Laughter: Re-historicizing the Restoration of Charles II." English 49.194 (2000): 109–126.
- Miyoshi, Riki. "Thomas Killigrew's Early Managerial Career: Carolean Stage Rivalry in London, 1663–1668." Restoration and 18th Century Theatre Research 27.2 (2012): 13–89.
- Rothstein, Eric, and Frances M. Kavenik. The Designs of Carolean Comedy. (Southern Illinois Univ Press, 1988).