The English king’s epic escape from his own country is thrillingly recounted in this authoritative history. Though the Parliament of Scotland proclaimed him king in 1649, Charles II faced a formidable enemy in England. His attempt to reclaim the throne ended in defeat at the Battle of Worcester—and thus began the battle to save his own life. Pursued wherever he went by soldiers from the conflict as well as local militia, Charles donned peasant clothing, crudely cut his hair, and tried to adopt a rustic accent. With the secret help of a succession of loyal citizens, he walked till his feet were shredded, waded rivers, coolly mixed with anti-royalists and enemy troopers—and, famously, hid in an oak tree. Never sure of who could be trusted, his peregrinations eventually led to a port in West Sussex where he could secure passage to safety across the Channel. “Unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community, college, and university library Historical Royal British Biographies collections.” —Midwest Book Review

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1966.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

How did the most wanted man in the country outwit the greatest manhunt in British history?

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The definitive account of six fateful weeks in British history; Charles II's escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 is an extraordinary tale of adventure and suspense. This new edition of Richard Ollard's classic book vividly reconstructs the six weeks during which the King was on the run. His great determination and good humour through it all won the admiration of many who risked their lives to aid him. Tremendously readable, fast-paced and a fascinating view of life in seventeenth-century England.

A fascinating look into a tumultuous interlude in British history and the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie. This brilliantly entertaining novel is a fictionalization of the true story of Charles II (May 29, 1630 February 6,1685), charting his daring flight to France after the Battle of Worcester, where Cromwell and his Protestant forces defeated the Catholic king.For six weeks, Charles' life was in danger as he hid in the English countryside, disguised as a servant, unable to find a way across heavily guarded borders.His loyal courtiers were appalled by the ease and glee with which he adopted his new humble identity, insisting on chatting and even drinking with ostlers and houseboys.Two young women were instrumental in his eventual escape and one of them became a lifelong friend of the exiled king.

Traces the life of Charles II, who had to endure years of exile and poverty, before being restored to the British throne