Singing in parts was popular in town and country. In 1672
John Banister started the first regular series of public concerts
in his house. There were lovely formal gardens in which to walk,
to see fireworks, and to buy the new ice cream. Charles did much
garden and park planning and let the public enjoy the royal St.
James Park. He loved hunting too and had the royal forests
replenished with deer after poaching during the Cromwell era had
greatly reduced their numbers.
Charles II introduced sailing and yacht racing for pleasure. He
also participated in and promoted horse racing. The breeding of
thoroughbred horses began with breeding to Arab mares. Gelding
horses were now preferred over stallions. There were trotters,
cart horses, and some "fast" race horses. Boxing (with no gloves
nor ring) was a national sport. Ice skating with iron blades was
popular. Valentine's day was celebrated. Italian puppet shows
played in London.
Dress returned to elaborateness. Gentlemen wore Cavalier-style
long wigs with curls, despite the church's dislike of wigs. This
could hide the short hair of a former Puritan Roundhead. In 1666,
Charles introduced a new mode of inexpensive court dress which was
made entirely from English textiles. This gave rise to gentlemen's
weskits to below the knee with a coat of the same length and full
sleeves. Stockings and shoes replaced the long fitted boots.
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