Today is the 375th anniversary of the battle of Worcester in 1651, and the city and reenactment groups are holding a series of events to commemorate the anniversary.
Worcester Cathedral from the site of Fort Royal with the modern memorial to the battle in the foreground
Image: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wikipedia has an account of the battle at Battle of Worcester. Although it gives a good narrative of the events the references indicate that its sources are in many cases about a century old and it is perhaps in need of some revision.
The Fugitive King has a similar narrative, but presented with a more modern slant and far more illustrations. It can be accessed at The Battle of Worcester
Wikipedia has a biography of the most prominent Royalist fatality from the battle, the second Duke of Hamilton, which includes the text of his farewell letter to his wife written from the Commandery in the city, a building which still survives. The article can be seen at
William Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Hamilton. His grave is marked by a plaque in the choir of the cathedral.
Following the battle King Charles II fled, very much as his great nephew Prince Charles Edward did after Culloden almost a century later. Ensuring the survival of the claimant was of paramount concern to safeguard their cause.
King Charles II in armour
Probably painted shortly after his flight to France in October 1651
Image: app.fta.art
Following a circuitous route, and many close shaves, the King finally sailed to France from Shoreham in Sussex on October 15th.
Wikipedia has a good, illustrated, account at Escape of Charles II and also a biography of the King’s most famous helper in his escape at Jane Lane, Lady Fisher
The museum at Shaftesbury in Dorset has an account of the King’s journey which can be accessed at Escape or Die 1651 - Charles II the Most Wanted Man - Gold Hill Museum
King Charles II
Miniature by David des Granges from the time of the King’s accession
Image: wikiart
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