Teacher Notes and Pupil Activities

A main theme in this topic is the change that the Restoration brought to the citizens of London. Some changes may have been immediate, examples being changes in attitude and recognition of the arts. Other changes such as architecture and religious tolerance came as the result of events during the 1660s. Some suggested activities are:

• Draw up a plan of action to control the spread of fire in London in 1665 (before the Great Fire). Remember you have limited equipment and no full time firemen.

• Draw up a set of laws for London in 1667 (after the Great Fire) which will prevent an outbreak of the plague and prevent or limit any major fire.

• In the role of Lord Mayor of London, arrange a procession to celebrate the coronation of Charles II. Remember that you are also celebrating freedom from many of the strict controls introduced by Cromwell.

• You are writing a diary in 1662. Write a description of a boat trip from Whitehall to Greenwich including the activities you pass on the banks and on the river itself.