the return of the British monarchy in 1660, when Charles II became king after the rule of Oliver Cromwell . ‘The Restoration’ refers to this event and the period after it, which is known for its lively developments in the arts, particularly in the theatre. The Earl of Rochester (1648–80) was the period’s most famous poet, and other artists included the painter Peter Lely (1618–80) and the playwright William Wycherley :
a Restoration play.