Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Oak Apple Day


Today is Oak Apple Day, the anniversary of King Charles II's entry into London on his thirtieth birthday in 1660, and the symbolic date of the Restoration of the Monarchy.

I have posted about the day in previous years in Oak Apple Day in 2011 and last year in Oak Apple Day. I have also posted in 2010 Restoration, and in 2011 the relevant post The Battle of Worcester 1651

There is an account of the traditions associated with the day here, and of its history as a public holiday, with its own special Book of Common Prayer service until its removal in 1859.


Image

The statue of King Charles II - the "pious founder" - at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, 
decorated for Oak Apple Day

Image: inpursuitofhistory.wordpress.com 

I would argue that it should be restored as a public holiday, or linked to the end of May Spring Bank Holiday.

It is certainly a day on which to give thanksgiving for the Restoration and the contined blessing of the Monarchy in our national life.

The problem is finding oak leaves to wear in one's button hole - I did manage it once here in Oxford, when some friends raided a tree in the Parks, but only once.

 
Posted by at
Labels: , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)