A document of great historical significance, known as the Declaration of Breda, signed by King Charles II to restore the British monarchy after the English Civil War, will be up for auction. The document is expected to fetch a value of 600,000 British pounds or 749,000 US dollars. It sets out the conditions under which Charles II agreed to take the throne after the execution of his father. Gabriel Heaton, a specialist in Sotheby’s manuscripts, stated that the document is one of the few constitutional milestones that have led to modern-day constitutionalism. The auction will also include other royal memorabilia such as nine illustrated manuscripts presented to Queen Elizabeth I and a diamond pin given to maids of honor by Queen Elizabeth II. Sotheby’s will auction this document for the first time in almost 40 years on May 4, two days before King Charles III’s coronation.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — A historic document signed by King Charles II, which helped restore the British monarchy after the English Civil War, will be auctioned off. It is expected that its value will reach 600 thousand pounds sterling, equivalent to 749 thousand dollars.
This document, known as the Declaration of Breda, was issued by Charles II and his closest advisors in April 1660.
A statement issued by the auction house “Sotheby’s” stated that the document sets out the conditions under which he will take the throne, after the English Civil War and the execution of his father.
Credit: Credit: Heritage Images/Fine Art Images/Getty Images
The document is one of a handful of documents that indicate “constitutional milestones that lead us toward a modern constitution,” Gabriel Heaton, a specialist in Sotheby’s manuscripts, told CNN Thursday.
He continued, “Seeing it for the first time gave me goosebumps…it really is an evocative piece.”
The declaration reflects a conciliatory tone, as Charles II favors amnesty for many crimes committed during the civil war, freedom of religion, and payment of arrears to the army.
“It’s a very important step toward the kind of ownership we have today,” Heaton said.
And he continued: “The idea is that he will rule within the framework of the law .. He does not claim the same divine right as his father .. This is the king who does not make his way by military force .. He is the king who will return because of the general agreement on him.”
The auction house said the document was being offered to the public for the first time in nearly 40 years, after it was last sold at auction in 1985.
The auction is scheduled to take place on May 4, two days before the coronation of King Charles III. It will also contain other royal memorabilia, including nine illustrated manuscripts presented to Queen Elizabeth I, and a diamond pin that Queen Elizabeth II gave to her maids of honor as thanks for their participation in her coronation.
In conclusion, the Declaration of Breda holds immense historical significance as it sets out the conditions that helped restore the British monarchy after the English Civil War. The document’s value is estimated to reach 600,000 pounds sterling in the upcoming auction, which is a rare opportunity for the public to own a piece of constitutional history. Its conciliatory tone, favoring amnesty for crimes committed during the civil war, freedom of religion, and payment of arrears to the army, was a significant step in establishing the framework of law and modern constitution. The auction is set to take place on May 4, two days before the coronation of King Charles III, where other royal memorabilia will also be up for auction. Owning a piece of such historical significance is indeed a privilege, and we await the outcome of this much-anticipated auction.