When the king enjoys his own again facts for kids

When the king enjoys his own again (also known as The king shall enjoy his own again) is a famous song from the 1600s. It was written by Martin Parker in 1643, during the English Civil War. This war was fought between King Charles I and the English Parliament.

The song was a Cavalier ballad, which means it was a song that supported the King. Later, it became very popular with the Jacobites. These were people who supported King James II and his family after he lost his throne. Historians say this song was one of the most popular tunes in England during the 1600s and 1700s.

A Song for the King's Supporters

This song was a powerful symbol for those who wanted the King to be back in charge. It was especially loved by the Jacobites. They used it to show their loyalty to King James II and his descendants.

How Jacobites Used the Song

In the 1690s, an Irish Jacobite army group, called the Régiment Rooth, marched to this song. They were showing their support for King James II. When Queen Mary II died in 1694, some Jacobites in Bristol celebrated. They rang bells and danced in the streets to the song.

In 1711, a London army captain named John Silk had his soldiers march through the city playing the tune. In 1713, a church leader named Henry Sacheverell attended a meeting where the song was played. Everyone liked it so much that they asked for it to be played again. They even hissed when the musicians tried to play a different song!

The Song After George I Became King

After George I became king, many Jacobites still celebrated Charles II's Restoration Day on May 29. This day marked the return of the monarchy after the Civil War. In 1715, Jacobites in Bristol were heard humming the song on this day.

In 1716, students at Oxford who supported the Jacobites played the song loudly. They did this to interrupt celebrations by those who supported the new King. Many historians believe this was the most popular Jacobite song of that time.

Trouble for Playing the Song

Sometimes, playing the song could cause trouble. In February 1716, two students from Exeter College, Oxford were beaten for playing the song. In 1722, during an election in St Albans, a future politician named Thomas Gape had musicians play the song during a protest.

In 1748, on the birthday of the Pretender's youngest son, two Oxford students openly supported the Pretender. They were charged with being disloyal to the king. Later, they walked around Oxford colleges with musicians playing 'When the king enjoys his own again'. Because of this, they were kicked out of their colleges, fined, and sent to prison for two years.

Song Lyrics

The song's lyrics talk about hoping for the king to return to power. They suggest that everything will be well once the king "enjoys his own again."