A Formative Portrait: Review of Claire Hobson's Charles II: From the Cradle to the Throne

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Charles II could be charming and witty, but also renowned for his 'lively' court, numerous mistresses, and a remarkable number of illegitimate children. His triumphant return to the throne in 1660 marked the end of the English Civil War and Commonwealth, ushering in the Restoration era, yet his reign was marked with immense challenges, including the Great Fire of London.

Claire Hobson's Charles II: From the Cradle to the Throne offers a refreshing and distinct contribution to the extensive work surrounding this unconventional king. The book focuses on Charles' formative years, from his birth in 1630 until his 30th birthday and the Restoration in 1660, putting his future reputation in useful context.

This allows for an immersive and detailed examination of his childhood and early adult life. Claire Hobson says her study of Charles II's development was a "great journey", and she found the first thirty years of his life even more interesting than after 1660. This translates into a narrative that delves into nuances often condensed in broader biographies, offering a more intimate portrait of the king.

King Charles I with Henrietta Maria and two of their children, Charles Prince of Wales, and Princess Mary, by Anthony van Dyck, 1633. Image credit: Royal Collection / CC.

I was particularly intrigued by the influence of women in his life, particularly his mother, Henrietta Maria, and the ladies of the royal court. The book also brings to light figures such as the maternal figure of Christabella Wyndham. Lady Christabella's often overlooked role in Charles's early life is given detailed attention, contributing to a more nuanced exploration of his personal development.     

The narrative provides a clear picture of young Charles, exploring his early vulnerabilities and the often harsh, attempts to 'groom' him for life as a future king.  The book delves into the emotional complexities of his development, presenting Charles as a complex young man shaped by his extraordinary circumstances. Highly recommended.

Tony Riches

I would like to thank Pen & Sword books for providing a review copy

# # #

About the author

Claire Hobson established a freelance career in proofreading in 2007 and branched into copywriting over the next few years, often for the Icelandic tourism industry. However, pursuing writing as a hobby in the 2010s, she embarked on historical fiction and quickly developed a big interest in Stuart history. This drew her to research and nonfiction. As a fundraiser for mental health charity Mind, Claire has organised and promoted Restoration-themed events involving leading historians. Through these, she produced regular history content on social media and scripted features for talks, but she now devotes more time to books, delving deeper into the seventeenth century.  Follow Claire on Twitter @RestorationHat and Bluesky @restorationhat.bsky.social‬