John Hawkins was educated at Manchester University (BSc Hons), Exeter University (MSc) and Leeds University (PGCE). During his retirement John has spent several years researching the reign of Charles II from original sources in the British Library, the National Archives, the Bodleian, the National Maritime Museum and local Archives. In addition he has read widely from British, European and Moroccan sources and studied recent Doctoral theses, as well as attending lectures and re-enactments. This wide variety of sources has resulted in an original and balanced viewpoint.