July 2013 Auction Ends Tuesday, July 23rd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2013
Original printing of King Charles II's Declaration of Breda, issued April 1660 from Breda, Netherlands. The Declaration was actually written in the Spanish-controlled portion of the Netherlands, where Charles had been living in exile since March 1656; however, since England was then at war with Spain, he was advised to relocate himself to the Netherlands proper so as to not address his subjects from enemy territory. The Commonwealth of England abolished the monarchy as an institution during its Civil War in 1649 and replaced it with a Parliament under Oliver Cromwell in a period known as the Interregnum. In accordance with the wishes of the people, the throne was reinstated in 1660, and the executed King's son, Charles II, returned from exile to rule as King in May of 1660. This Declaration paves the road back to his ascension, pardoning many of his father’s enemies, including a general pardon for crimes committed during the English Civil War and the Interregnum, along with promises regarding property rights and religious toleration. Though the Declaration was officially published in the journal of the House of Lords, a publication for the English people, of which this is a copy, was printed by John Playford as an eight-page circular. Declaration reads in part: ''...If the general distraction and confusion which is spread over the whole kingdom doth not awaken all men to a desire and longing that those wounds which have so many years together been kept bleeding may be bound up...'' Declaration runs 8pp. on four sheets, and measures 6'' x 8.5''. Disbound with a contemporary cover page, and irregular edges. Minor toning and tears to bottom of each page. Overall very good condition. An important and scarce document from the dawn of the famous English Restoration.
Original 1660 Printing of King Charles II's Famous Declaration of Breda -- Charles Promised to Pardon Those Who Committed Crimes During the English Civil War
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