What happened in England between 1642 and 1660?

We had the Civil War between the forces of King Charles I (cavaliers) and parliament (roundheads), which determined the death of an absolute monarchy; one in which the King has total authority.

Eventually, the Parliament forces prevailed and deposed the King, beheading him in 1649. From then on, England was a republic, under the authority of Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell.

His successor was not of the same calibre, and in 1660 the monarchy was restored under Charles I's son Charles II - with a much reduced authority, and answerability to Parliament.