England became a Republic for eleven years from 1649 - 1660.

At first England was ruled by Parliament,but in 1653, Oliver Cromwell, commander of the army, became Lord Protector of England. He held his post until his death in 1658 (when his son briefly took over). Cromwell did not want to be king and refused the crown when it was offered to him.

The Commonwealth - declared May 19th 1649

· Oliver Cromwell (1653-58)

· Richard Cromwell (1658-59)

The Stuarts line Restored (The Restoration)

Charles II 1660 – 1685

Son of Charles I. He was crowned King of Scotland in 1651. When Richard Cromwell lost the confidence of Parliament and abdicated, Charles returned to London in time for his thirtieth birthday and to rule Great Britain (Scotland, England and Wales). Charles saw London recover from the Plague (1665) and Great Fire (1666). Many new buildings were built at this time. St. Paul's Cathedral was built by Sir Christopher Wren and also many churches still to be seen today.

James II 1685 – 1688

Younger brother of Charles II. James was 15 when his father was executed. He escaped to France in 1648, disguised as a girl. Whilst king, James tried to force people to follow his Roman Catholic faith. He was very unpopular because of his persecution of the Protestants, and he was hated by the people. He was forced to give up the crown in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Parliament asked William of Orange to take the throne.

William III 1688 - 1702 and Queen Mary II 1688 – 1694

Mary, daughter of James II and her Dutch husband were invited to be King and Queen following James abdication.

Queen Anne 1702 – 1714

Sister of Mary II, the second daughter of James II. Married George of Denmark.

All of her 17 children died.

1707 Act of Union between Scotland and England formed Great Britain. Last Stuart sovereign.