DEATH OF KING CHARLES II, “THE MERRIE MONARCH”

dth-king-charles-bp623.jpgHE WAS THE FIRST KING OF THE RESTORATION PERIOD IN ENGLAND
IN 1664, HIS FLEET OF SHIPS TOOK NEW AMSTERDAM FROM THE DUTCH
(IT WAS RENAMED NEW YORK FOR HIS BROTHER, NOW KING JAMES II)

The London Gazette
Feb. 5 to Feb. 9, 1684

Here is the very first report in an English newspaper of the passing of England’s Charles II.  The sad news is published on page one beginning: “Whitehall, February 6, 1684. ON Monday last in the morning our late Gracious Soveraign King Charles the Second was seized with a violent Fit, by which his Speech and Senses were for some time taken from him, but upon the immediate application of fitting Remedies He returned to such a condition as gave some hopes of His Recovery till Wednesday night, at which time the Disease returning upon him with greater violence, He expired this day about Noon.”

Charles’s brother James, Duke of York, ascends to the Throne of England as James II. That announcement begins: “Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovraign Lord King Charles the Second of Blessed Memory, by whose Decease, the Imperial Crowns of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, are solely and righfully come to the High and Mighty Prince James, Duke of York and Albany, His said late Majesties only Brother and Heir.” Also published is the announcement and proclamation of the new King James II.

Single sheet issue printed both sides and in truly excellent white condition!  Possibly the finest known specimen.

$3,000

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, European History