THE ESCAPE OF CHARLES II.
After the defeat at Worcester, on the 3rd of September, 1651, Charles
II., on his arrival at Kidderminster, by the advice of the Earl of Derby,
and under the guidance of Francis Yates, brother-in-law of Penderell,
retired to "Boscobel," a lone house on the borders of Staffordshire,
where lived one Richard Penderell, a farmer, and his four brothers. By
the aid of the Penderells, Charles clothed himself in the garb of a
peasant, and carried a bill-hook with him into the woods, where daily he
pretended to be employed cutting faggots. His only attendant at that
time was Colonel Careless, a Roman Catholic. The suspicion of the
Parliamentary army was, however, aroused by two strangers staying at such
a lone place as Boscobel, and detachments of troops were, in consequence,
sent in search of them, and it was then that Charles and Colonel Careless
hid themselves in the branches of an oak tree. By the assistance of a
Benedictine monk, named Hudleston, Lord Wilmot then joined the King, and
by his proposition, they, with Penderell, repaired, at night, to the
house of a Mr. Whitegrave, a Catholic gentleman residing some distance
from Boscobel. The King, in relating his escape, used to say that the
rustling of Richard's calf-skin breeches was the best guide for him
during the dark night's walk. Here they were pursued by the
parliamentarian army; and Colonel Lane, at whose house Lord Wilmot had
been concealed, being made acquainted with the critical position of
Charles, offered to conceal him in his house at Bentley. From there he
retired to Bristol, at the house of Mr. Norton, a kinsman of Colonel
Lane, in the hope of being able to obtain a passage to the continent, as
"William," the servant to Miss Jane Lane (sister of Colonel Lane), but no
vessel would leave there for a month. Charles, being thus frustrated in
his object, placed himself under the guardianship of Colonel Windham, of
Dorsetshire, in whose charge he continued nine days, and then went to
Heale, within three miles of Salisbury, where he remained until the
necessary arrangements had been made by Lord Wilmot, for his passage from
Brighthelmston to France.
Lord Wilmot, after receiving counsel from Dr. Hinchman, afterwards Bishop
of Salisbury, tried at Lawrence Hyde's Esq., living at Hinton Dambray, in
Hampshire, near the sea, what could be done for a passage. Being
unsuccessful there, he repaired to Colonel George Gounter, at Rackton,
four miles from Chichester, who promised him every assistance in his
power. On Wednesday, the 8th of October, the Colonel rode to Elmsworth
(Emsworth), a fishing station two miles from Rackton; but as the boats
were all away, the Colonel could do no good there. Colonel Gounter then,
accompanied by Lord Wilmot, rode to Langstone, a place by the sea, and
attempted in vain to arrange for a passage. Colonel Gounter and Lord
Wilmot then received the co-operation of Captain Thomas Gounter, who went
to Chichester, but was unsuccessful in his object. The Colonel upon
this, conceived the next and best expedient, namely, of treating with a
French merchant, a Mr. Francis Mancell, at Ovingdean Grange, whither he
hastened, pretending to pay him a visit, and to become well acquainted
with him. He was there courteously received, and entertained; and, after
a while, he broke the business to Mancell, saying, "I do not only come to
visit you; but to request one favour of you. I have two special friends
who have been engaged in a duel, and there is mischief done, and I am
obliged to get them off if I can. Can you fraught (freight) a bark?"
Mr. Mancell said he doubted not he could at Brighthelmston. The Colonel
pressed him to go immediately, promising, if the business was effected he
would give him 50 for his pains; but it being Stock fair-day there, and
his partner out of the way, he could not possibly until the next day. On
the 10th October, the merchant went to Brighthelmston to enquire, but the
seaman upon whom he could with the greatest certainty have depended, was
gone to Chichester, he having bargained for a cargo there; fortunately,
however, it touched at Shoreham, about four miles from Brighthelmston.
Mr. Mancell, therefore, sent immediately to Shoreham, for the man, and on
Saturday the 11th October, an agreement was made that he (the seaman),
should have 60 paid him, before he took the parties into the boat. And
it was arranged that he was to be in readiness at an hour's warning. In
the meantime, Mancell was to stay there, under pretence of freighting his
bark, so as to see all things in readiness against the arrival of the
Colonel and his two friends. The Colonel then returned to the house of
Mr. Hyde, afterwards Chief Justice of the King's Bench, with whom Lord
Wilmot was staying, and broke the joyful intelligence to him, that all
was in readiness; and it was arranged that Colonel Phillips should go for
the King on the following day. This was effected, and the King, on
horseback, escorted by Colonel Phillips, rode from Heale to Winchester,
where they were met by Lord Wilmot, Colonel Gounter, and Captain Gounter,
who accompanied them to Brawde Halfe-penny, a little above Hambledon,
where Charles expressed a wish that lodgings should be procured in the
neighbourhood, and he was consequently conducted to the house of Colonel
Phillips's sister, at the rear of Hambledon; where, after partaking of a
hearty supper, Charles retired to rest, being much fatigued by his long
ride of 40 miles that day. At the break of day the following morning,
the party took their leave of Hambledon, and on coming to Arundel, rode
close by the castle, where they were met full butt by Captain Morley, the
Governor, but whom they happily escaped, and then passed on by Howton to
Bramber. The remaining portion of the journey is found thus fully
detailed in a very curious and _recherche_ article which, about forty
years since came into the possession of the British Museum, and is
entitled "The last Act, in the miraculous storie of his Mties. escape;
being a true and perfect revelation of his conveyance, through many
dangers, to a safe harbour; out of the reach of his tyranical enemies; by
Colonel Gunter; of Racton in Sussex; who had the happiness to be
instrumental in the business, (as it was taken from his mouth by a person
of worth a little before his death.)"--"Being come to Bramber, we found
the streets full of soldiers, on both sides the houses; whoe unluckily
and unknowne to me were come thither the night before, to guard; but
luckily (or rather by a speciall Providence) were just then come from
their guard at Bramber bridge, unto the towne {126} for refreshment. We
came upon them unawares, and were seen, before we suspected anything. My
Lord Wilmot was ready to turne back, when I stept in and said: 'If we do,
wee are undone.' 'He saith well,' saith the King. I went before, hee
followed, and soe passed through, without any hinderance. It was then
betweene three and fower of the clock in the afternoone. We went on; but
had not gone farre, but a new terror pursued us; the same soldiers riding
after us as fast as they could. Whereupon the King gave me a hem! I
slacked my pase, till they were come upp to me and by that tyme, the
soldiers were come, whoe rudely passed by us (beeing in a narrow lane)
soe that we could hardly keepe our saddles for them; but passed by
without any further hurt; being some 30 or 40 in number. When we were
come to Beeding, a little village where I had provided a treatment for
the King (one Mr. Bagshall's house) I was earnest that his Matie. should
stay there a whyle, till he had viewed the coast: But my Lord Wilmot
would by noe meanes, for feare of those soldiers, but carried the King
out of the road, I knew not whither, soe we parted; they were they
thought safest, I to Brightemston; being agreed they should send to me,
when fixed any where, and ready. Being come to the said Brightemston, I
found all clear there, and the Inne (the George) free from all strangers
att that tyme. Having taken the best roome in the house and bespoken my
supper; as I was entertaining myselfe with a glass of wine; the King, not
finding accommodation elsewhere to his mind was come to the Inne; then
upp comes mine hoast (one Smith by name). 'More guests,' saith he; he
brought them into another room, I taking noe notice. It was not long,
but drawing towards the King's roome, I heard the King's voice, saying
aloud to Lord Wilmot, 'Here, Mr. Barlow, I drinck to you.' 'I know that
name' said I to my hoast, there by me; 'I pray enquire, and whether he
were not a Major in the King's Army.' Which done, he was found to bee
the man, whome I expected; and presently invited, as was likely, to the
fellowship of a glass of wine. From that I proceeded and made a motion
to join companie, and because my chamber was largest that they might make
use of it. Which was accepted, and soe we became one companie againe.
At supper the King was cheereful, not showing the least signe of fear or
apprehension of danger; neyther then nor att any tyme during the whole
course of this busines. Which is no small wonder, considering that the
very thought of his ennemies soe great, and soe many; soe diligent, and
soe much interested in his ruine; was enough, as long as he was within
their reach, and as it were, in the very middest of them, to have daunted
the stoutest courage in the world. As if God had opened his eyes, as he
did Elisha's servant, at his master's request, and he had seene a
heavenly hoast round about him to guard him: which to us was visible, who
therefore, though much encouraged by his undauntedness, and the assurance
of soe good and glorious a cause; yet were not without secret terrors
within ourselves, and thought every minute a day, a month, till they
should see his sacred person out of their reach. Supper ended, the King
stood his back against the fyer, leaning over a chaire. Up comes mine
host (upon some jealousie, I guess not any certain knowledge;) but up
comes him who called himself Gaius, runs to the King, catcheth his hand
and kissing it, said: 'It shall not be said but I have kissed the best
man's hand in England.' He had waited at table at supper, where the
boateman also sate with us and were then present. Whether he had feare,
or heard any thing that could give him any occasion of suspicion, I knowe
not. In very decde, the King had a hard taske, soe to carry himself in
all things, that he might be in nothing like himselfe: Majesty being so
naturall upon him, that even when hee said nothing, did nothing, his very
lookes (if a man observed) were enough to betray him. It was admirable
to see the King (as though he had not been concerned in these words,
which might have soumded in the ears of another man as the sentence of
death) turned about in silence, without any alteration of countenance or
taking notice of what had been said. About a quarter of an hour after,
the King went to his chamber, where I followed him and craved his pardon
with earnest protestation that I was innocent, soe altogether ignorant of
the cause how this had hapened. 'Peace, peace, Colonel,' said the King,
'the fellow knowes mee, and I him. He was one (whether or not, I know
not; soe the King thought att the tyme) that belonged to the back stairs
of my father; I hope he is an honest fellow.' After this I began to
treat with the boatman (Tettersfield by name) asking him in what
readiness he was. He answered, he could not of that night, because for
more security he had brought his vessel into a breake and the tyde had
forsaken it: so that it was on ground. It is observable that all the
whyle this business had been in agitation to this very time, the wind had
been contrarie. The king then opening the wenddowe, tooke notice that
the wind was turned, and told the master of the shipp. Whereupon,
because of the wind, and a cleere night, I offered 10 more to the man to
gett off that night. But that could not be. However, we agreed that he
should take in his company that night. But it was a great business that
we had in hand; and God would have us to knowe soe, both by the
difficulties that offered themselves, and by his helpe he afforded to
remove them. When we thought we had agreed, the boatman starts back and
saith, 'noe, except I would ensure the barke.' Argue it we did with him,
how unresoanable it was, beeing soe well paid, &c., but to no purpose,
soe that I yielded att last, and 200 was his valuation, which was agreed
upon. But then, as though he had been resolved to frustrate all by
unreasonable demands, he required my bond. At which, moved with much
indignation, I began to be as resolut as he; saying, among other things,
'there were more boates to bee had, besydes his; if he would not another
should,' and made as though I would go to another. In this contest the
king happily interposed. 'He saith right,' saith his Matie., 'a
gentleman's word, especially before witnesses, is as good as his bond.'
At last the man's stomach came downe, and carrie them he would, whatever
became of it; and before he would be taken he would run his boate under
the water. Soe it was agreed that about tooe in the morning they should
be aboard. The boateman in the meanetyme went to provide for
necessaries, and I persuaded the king to take some rest. He did, in his
cloaths, and my Lord Wilmot with him, till towards tooe in the morning.
Then I called them up, showing them how the tyme went by my watch.
Horses being ledd by the back way towards the beache, we came to the
boat, and found all readie. Soe I took my leave, craving his Maties.
pardon if anthing had happened through error, not want of will or
loyalty. How willingly I would have waited further, but for my family
(being many) which would want mee, and I hoped his Matie. would not, not
doubting but in a very little tyme he should be where he would. My only
request to his Mtie. was that he would conceal his instruments, wherein
their preservation was so much concerned. His Matie. promised noebody
should know. I abided there keeping the horses in readiness in case
anything unexpected had happened. At 8 o'clock I saw them on sayle, and
it was the afternoon before they were out of sight. The wind (O
Providence) held very good till the next morning, to ten of the clock
brought them to a place of Normandie called Fackham, some three miles
from Havre de Grace, 15 Oct. Wenseday. They were no sooner landed but
the wind turned, and a violent storme did arise, in soe much that the
boateman was forced to cut his cable, lost his anchor to save his boate,
for which he required of me 8, and had it. The boate was back againe at
Chichester, by Friday, to take his fraught. I was not gone out of the
town of Brighthelmston twoe houres, but soldiers came thither to search
for a tall man 6 foot and 4 inches high."
By the foregoing it will be seen that Charles never visited, much less
slept at Ovingdean Grange, as has been stated by some historical writers,
playwrights, and writers of romance. {130}
The vessel in which Charles escaped, was the "Surprise," the property of
Captain Nicholas Tettersell, whose virtues are engraved upon his tomb in
the Old Church-yard,--_vide_ Chapter XVI. The vessel was a brig which had
been detained a few years previously, in the Downs, by a royal squadron,
on her way from Newcastle, with a cargo of coals, but was released by a
personal order of Charles, then Prince of Wales, whose features were
consequently known to Tettersell, notwithstanding the king's attempt to
disguise himself. The brig at the time of the engagement with
Tettersell, was half laden with coals, and the sailors were in a great
measure disengaged from duty. In order, therefore, to collect them
without exciting suspicion, he announced that she had broken from her
moorings. By this means, having got his crew on board, he signified to
them his engagement in a secret expedition, in which their service should
not go unrewarded. Matters being thus prudently adjusted, Tettersell
went ashore by himself, in order to get a bottle of spirits, and to
inform his wife that he should be absent for a few days. Curiosity
urging the good woman to dive into the mystery of so sudden and
unreasonable a departure, he was at last constrained by her importunity
to reveal to her the nature of the service he had undertaken; and she,
with a fortitude and fidelity which reflect a lustre on her memory,
earnestly exhorted him to an honourable performance of his engagement
with the illustrious fugitive. It is recorded by Baker, in his
Chronicles, that in the course of the day, as the king, who still
retained his disguise, that of a Puritan, was sitting on the deck, one of
the sailors stood close to windward of him smoking his pipe, and on being
rebuked by the captain for making so free, retired, muttering, "truly a
cat may look at a king," but without being aware how personally apposite
the adage was.
After the Restoration, Tettersell, in 1671, in consideration of his loyal
services, was appointed by James, Duke of York, (then Lord High Admiral
of England,) Captain of the "Royal Escape," as a fifth-rate; and the year
ensuing, the king granted the reversion of that sinecure to his son.
The following is the patent for the reversion of the appointment:--
CHARLES R.
Whereas our dear brother, James, Duke of York, Lord High Admiral of
England, hath by his orders, dated the 4th of September last past,
directed you to cause Captain Nicholas Tetershall to be borne in pay,
together with one servant, as captain of our vessel called the Royal
Escape; and that he should be allowed pay as captain of a fifth-rate
ship, and he and his servant paid with the yard at Deptford; and
whereas the said Nicholas Tetershall hath humbly besought us to
continue the said allowance unto his son, Nicholas Tetershall, after
his decease, in consideration of his faithful and fortunate service
performed unto us, we have thought fit to condescend unto that his
request, and it is accordingly our will and pleasure that after the
decease of the said Nicholas Tetershall, the father, he, the said
Nicholas Tetershall, the son, be borne in pay, together with one
servant, as captain of our said vessel, the Royal Escape, and that he
be allowed pay as captain of a fifth-rate ship, and he and his
servant paid with the yard at Deptford, in the same manner as his
father now is. Given at our Court at Whitehall, the 29th day of
August, 1672, in the four-and-twentieth year of our reign.
By His Majesty's command,
HENRY COVENTRY.
To the Principal Officers and Commissioners
of our Navy now and the time being.
By the following minute in the record book of the House of Commons,
Wednesday, 19th of December, 1660, it will be seen that His Majesty was
not unmindful of the services in effecting his escape, that were rendered
by Mr. Lane and his family:--
_Resolved_.--"That as a mark of respect to Mrs. Lane, and in testimony
of her services, in being instrumental to the preservation and
security of the person of his royal Majesty, there be conferred on
the said Mrs. Lane the sum of 1,000, to buy her a jewel, and that
the same be, and hereby stands charged on the arrears of the grand
excise, and paid to her assigns, in course, after the other sums are
satisfied which are charged on the grand excise, by former orders of
this Parliament. And the commissioners of excise, for the time
being, are hereby impowered and required to satisfy and pay the same
accordingly. And this order, together with the acquitance of the
said Mrs. Lane, or her assigns, testifying the receipt thereof, shall
be to the commissioners of excise a sufficient warrant and
discharge."
And letters patent, bearing date, 12th day of July, Anno 1677, were
granted by the king, to John Lane of Bentley, in the County of Stafford,
that henceforth he and his lawful descendants shall bear in augmentation
of their fraternal arms, _three lyons passant guardant_, _or in a Canton
Gu_.
The "Royal Escape" was Tettersell's coal-brig ornamented and enlarged;
and shortly after the Restoration, she was moored in the Thames, opposite
Whitehall, to receive the veneration of the fickle multitude. "But, some
time after," as Dunvan says, "when the increasing guilt of Charles proved
to them a bitter restorative from political insanity, she dropped down to
Deptford, where she remained in a progressive state of decay, till, in
the year 1791, her mouldering remains were broken up for fuel in one of
the dockyards there."
The descendants of Tettersell long enjoyed an annual pension of 100.
Sir John Bridger, the grandfather of Sir Henry Shiffner, of Combe Place,
was the last of the family who received the pension. A ring which was
given to Tettersell by Charles, is in the possession of the Shiffner
family.
The name of the Inn, in West street, was, after the return of Charles
from exile, changed from the "George" to the "King's Head," and as a
memorial of the royal visit, the portrait of his Majesty became the sign
of the house. It remained some years fixed on the outside of the
premises; but about forty years since, when it was going rapidly to
decay, it was taken down by the then landlord, Mr. Eales, and, having
received a coat of varnish, was placed in an oak frame and hung up
indoors. That, however, like every other memento of the flight of
Charles, has some years been a thing of the past, the bedstead with its
appurtenances whereon the royal personage slept, the chair whereon he
sat, the cooking apparatus of the occasion, and every article connected
with the event having long since been purchased at long prices to those
persons who set store upon historical relics. On Royal Oak Day, the
anniversary of the 29th of May, 1660, commonly called Restoration Day, it
is customary for a large bough of oak to adorn the front of the "King's
Head."
The only relic in Brighton, in any way connected with the "Merrie
Monarch," is Nell Gwynne's looking-glass. This glass is amongst the
curiosities in the Brighton Museum, at the Royal Pavilion, and is the
property of Sir Charles Dick, of Port Hall, Dyke Road, Brighton. It
bears the likeness of Nell Gwynne and King Charles, which are modelled in
wax; and also the supporters or crest which Nell assumed, namely, the
lion and leopard. The whole is curiously worked in various coloured
glass beads, and the figures with the dresses are made to project in very
high relief; indeed, they are merely attached to the ground-work. In the
upper compartment is Charles in his state dress, and in the bottom one
that of Nell Gwynne in her court dress--the pattern of which is very
tasteful. On the right is Charles in his hunting dress, and on the left
is Nell in her neglige dress. The beads have retained their colours,
which are very appropriate to the subject, and must have been a work of
considerable time and patience; but whether done by Nell or not, there is
no record. Mrs. Jameson says:--"Charles, in spite of every attempt to
detach him from her, loved her to the last, and his last thought was for
her--'Let not poor Nelly starve!' Burnet, who records this dying speech,
is piously scandalized that the King should have thought of such a
'creature' in such a moment; but some will consider it with more mercy,
as one among the few traits which redeem the sensual and worthless
Charles from utter contempt."