 Boscobel House
There can be few people who have never heard the famous story about Charles
II, linking his escapades with the spreading branches of an old oak tree,
but most are unlikely to recall where this event happened. After his defeat
at the Battle of Worcester, Charles needed to reach London quickly, but
circumstances forced a change of plan and he had to find several places
to shelter along the route, before eventually fleeing to France.
One of the places he found loyalty and hospitality during this dramatic episode was at Boscobel House.
Arriving in the early hours of the morning, he stayed for a short while
in the house but no longer than it took to eat a simple meal of bread,
cheese and ale, before seeking cover in the branches of the vast oak tree
in the woods close by. Following a most uncomfortable day in the tree,
Charles returned to Boscobel House, where he was fed, groomed and given
a decent bed for the night before continuing with his journey. From that
moment, this noble tree was known as 'The Royal Oak' and many public houses
have chosen to commemorate this significant moment in British history
by so naming their establishments.
Even by today's standards Boscobel House is situated in a remote part of the Shropshire countryside, but
once found the house and setting are idyllic. A small and very active
duck pond, sheep grazing the surrounding pastures, noisy geese and chickens,
all welcome the visitor in genuine country fashion. The delightful black
and white house bordering this farmyard bustle was built in the early
17th century as no more than a modest lodge, but today a 19th century
farmhouse fronts the original building, making it appear substantially
larger. Naturally, Boscobel House has many mementoes relating to Charles II,
and plenty of carved oak work, but generally the contents and décor reflect
a 19th century restoration.
Since its Royal visit, Boscobel Houses's fortunes have fluctuated between an almost 'shrine-like' status attracting
numerous visitors inclined towards the 'romantic' notion, to one of
an ordinary working farm where callers were in the minority. However,
in 1812 Boscobel House was given a chance to relive its days of glory when
a certain Walter Evans decided to try and recreate its appearance at
the time of Charles' brief stay. From the mid-1800s the house enjoyed
a revival when, once again, many visitors were keen to follow the adventures
of Charles II. After two further changes of ownership, Boscobel House
came within the care of English Heritage in 1984, and they completed the final refurbishment.
Despite its modest proportions, Boscobel House is undoubtedly a most intriguing property, and one that conceals
the importance of a significant piece of history in the making. Had Charles
II been captured here by the Commonwealth troops, the whole course of
history might have been altered. The site of the celebrated oak is now
marked by a descendant of that same tree, standing about 450ft (136m) from
the house and enclosed within iron railings. |
