King Charles II of England, born in 1630, was the monarch who ruled from 1660 until his death in 1685. He was the son of King Charles I, who was executed during the English Civil War. After years in exile, Charles II was restored to the throne, marking the beginning of the Restoration period in England. Charles II is often remembered for his lively court and patronage of the arts, which led to a flourishing of culture. His reign saw the establishment of the Royal Society and the reopening of theaters, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene in post-Civil War England.