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.


Friday, 29 May 2026

Oak Apple Day


I wish a happy and joyful Oak Apple Day to my readers  and hope that some at least will be able to take part in some of the traditional ways of celebrating the Restoration of King Charles II to his thrones in 1660. 


King Charles II in his new regalia and robes of state as King of England in 1661

Image: Royal Collection - Wikipedia 

I have found short online pieces that are relevant to today. The first is a Country Life article from 2015 about the observance of the day as a holiday and the various customs that survive in different towns and villages. It can be read at Bring back Oak Apple Day

The second is from the National Churches Trust and follows the itinerary of the King’s flight from Worcester in the autumn of 1651 to his eventual escape from what is now Brighton and to safety in France. It can be found at Oak apple day 

 
King Charles II at the time of the Battle of Worcester 

Image: History Today

In addition there is a 2001 History Today article about the King’s time at Boscobel House in Shropshire where he did hide for a day in the branches of the famous oak tree near the house. The account can be read at Charles II Hides in the Boscobel Oak
 
Now that we once again have a King Charles it seems to reinforce the case for making more of Oak Apple Day.

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