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The Restoration of Charles II in 1660 brought dramatic changes to English society and culture. After years of Puritan restrictions under the Commonwealth and Protectorate, the return of the monarchy ushered in a period of exuberance, creativity, and social change. This lesson explores the social structure, daily life, entertainment, and cultural developments of Restoration England.
Restoration England was a hierarchical society with significant inequalities of wealth, status, and power.
| Social Group | Approximate Proportion | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Monarchy and aristocracy | Tiny elite | Owned vast estates; dominated government and the House of Lords |
| Gentry | Around 2–3% of the population | Owned land; served as JPs, MPs, and local leaders |
| Middling sort | Around 20–25% | Merchants, lawyers, doctors, prosperous farmers, skilled tradesmen |
| Labouring poor | Around 50–60% | Agricultural workers, servants, unskilled labourers |
| The destitute | Around 10–20% | Beggars, vagrants, the old and sick without support |
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