The Fifth Monarchists were a radical political group that emerged in England during the Interregnum period, advocating for the establishment of a theocratic regime aligned with biblical prophecy. They believed that Christ would shortly return to establish a thousand-year reign on Earth, and they saw themselves as agents of this divine mission. With the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, many still held out hope for a government aligned with their religious ideology and created a plot to seize power in London. On June 1, 1661, they made their move, catalyzing with a small armed force intending to occupy the city and declare a new regime.

However, the insurrection was poorly planned and executed. The royal government, aware of the group's intentions, mobilized rapidly to suppress the revolt. Despite their conviction and fervor, the Fifth Monarchists were met with overwhelming force and lack of broader support from the populace or political establishment. Over the next few days, the uprising failed, leading to several arrests, and many leaders were subsequently tried and executed. The harsh response to the revolt highlighted the precariousness of radical political movements in a restored monarchy, where strict measures were taken against perceived threats to stability.

The aftermath demonstrated not only the resilience of the Stuart monarchy but also reflected the significant ideological divides within England at the time. The Fifth Monarchists' dream of a godly government ultimately crumbled, serving as a crucial lesson for future dissenters about the limits of radicalism in a monarchy. Their failure contributed to the consolidation of royal power and the repression of similar movements in subsequent decades, as England moved further into the 17th century's tumultuous political landscape.