ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the settlement and tries to explain why Charles failed to satisfy 'his own party'. Charles II was brought back by his own people, rather than by force of arms. Although there were official reprisals against his father's enemies, few were executed. There is considerable evidence that the old Cavaliers were concerned more to regain their patronage rights than to impose any particular brand of conformity. It should be stressed, however, that their resentments focused on offices which either were paid or gave access to the king and to royal patronage. Even so, it reflects an awareness that the Corporation Act had not achieved its objective of clearing out the disaffected once and for all. Much of the machinery of law enforcement and coercion was therefore in Cavalier hands and could be used for partisan vengeance. It is to the refurbishment of that machinery that we now turn.
