England 1.4 French Influence at Court

Question 1

Why was Charles known as the Merry Monarch? How was he still faithful to his wife? (RE 1.4)

Answer 1

• He had many mistresses, such as Barbara Palmer (Lady Castlemaine) and Louise de Keroualle.
• Charles refused to divorce his wife for a younger protestant girl.

Question 2

What were the three parts of Charles’ court? (RE 1.4)

Answer 2

• Household looked after food and lodging.
• Chamber was responsible for public displays (of wealth and power).
• The Bedchamber was where patronage was managed, staffed by those looking after the kings private life.

Question 3

How could you get patronage and access from Charles’ court? (RE 1.4)

Answer 3

• The King used the court to distribute patronage.
• Access to the King’s mistress was a good way of getting private and quiet access to his patronage.
• A ‘client’ was expected to support their patron.

Question 4

How did court fashion change throughout the restoration? (RE 1.4)

Answer 4

• Beginning: Fashionable to wear elaborate clothes, loose revealing dresses, large shirts.
• After Disasters: Charles wanted something more serious and sober.
• End: French had more stylistic influence again.

Question 5

What was Whitehall, the court palace? (RE 1.4)

Answer 5

• Charles’ home.
• The centre of his government.
• Where court members could meet.

Question 6

What was the style of architecture in England? (RE 1.4)

Answer 6

• Banqueting House of Whitehall was designed 50 years prior by Inigo Jones.
• Jones based the designs on the classical style, influenced by Greece and Rome.
• Classical style very popular in England at the time.

Question 7

What was the power of the King’s mistresses? (RE 1.4)

Answer 7

• Louise De Keroualle had much larger and more impressive of a room than Queen Catherine.
• This was as much space as Lord Chamberlain, who was in charge of the court.

Question 8

How was Whitehall decorated? What were Baroque interiors? (RE 1.4)

Answer 8

• Expensive French furniture, plates, paintings and tapestries decorated the place.
• Baroque interiors used carved wooden panelling and columns, with furniture, curtains and bedclothes made of bright and expensive velvets.