Abstract
At his execution in 1649, Charles I remained in the eyes of many a divine king, this despite the fact that the concept of a sacerdotally marked or empowered monarch clashed with Reformation ideals. Indeed even the gathered might of John Milton, Thomas Hobbes, and James Harrington could do little immediate damage to Charles' posthumous image as blessed martyr. Nevertheless, the Interregnum did sever the continuity upon which sacred monarchy rested. It was left, therefore, to the restored heir to reinvent monarchy, a task to which Charles II's lifestyle and personality were not suited; his licentiousnes and philandering attracted derision rather than adoration. As the intellectual presuppositions on which the sacred monarchy rested were eroded, the aura of the body royal faded.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
