Charles II

Born at St James's Palace, London. Eldest surviving son of Charles I. He is 18 when Parliament cuts off his father's head.

Defeated by Cromwell at the Battle of Worcester. Escapes by hiding in an oak tree at Boscobel House while Roundhead soldiers search below. Spends six weeks as a fugitive before fleeing to France. He won't set foot in England for nine years.

Enters London on his 30th birthday to delirious crowds. The Restoration. Church bells ring all day. After 11 years of Puritan rule, the theaters reopen, Christmas is legal again, and the king loves a party.

The Great Fire of London destroys 13,200 houses and 87 churches over four days. Charles personally directs firefighting efforts, passing buckets alongside commoners. He commissions Christopher Wren to rebuild the city.

Signs the secret Treaty of Dover with Louis XIV. In exchange for French money, he promises to eventually convert to Catholicism. Parliament never finds out. He keeps his Protestant faith publicly until his deathbed.

Dies at Whitehall Palace at 54 after an apoplectic fit. Receives Catholic last rites in secret. His last recorded words: "Let not poor Nelly starve," referring to his mistress Nell Gwyn. He acknowledges at least 14 illegitimate children but leaves no legitimate heir.