[Illustration: CHARLES AND CARELESS HIDING IN THE OAK.]
BOSCOBEL
OR
THE ROYAL OAK.
A TALE OF THE YEAR 1651.
BY
WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH.
AUTHOR OF "THE TOWER OF LONDON," &c.
ILLUSTRATED.
In that fair part where the rich Salop gains
An ample view o'er all the Western plains,
A grove appears which BOSCOBEL they name,
Not known to maps; a grove of scanty fame.
And yet henceforth no celebrated shade
Of all the British groves shall be more glorious made.
COWLEY'S _Sylva_. Book VI.
LONDON
GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS, LIMITED
BROADWAY, LUDGATE HILL
GLASGOW, MANCHESTER, AND NEW YORK
INSCRIBED
TO THE MEMORY OF MY OLD FRIEND,
JOHN HUGHES, ESQ.,
OF
DONNINGTON HOUSE, BERKS,
EDITOR OF
The "Boscobel Tracts,"
SON OF
MRS. HUGHES, OF KINGSTON LISLE,
FATHER OF
THOMAS HUGHES, M.P.
PREFACE.
In his letter to Mr. Hughes, the then Bishop of Llandaff describes King
Charles the Second's Wanderings after the Battle of Worcester "as being
by far the most romantic piece of English history we possess."
I have always entertained the same opinion, and after reading the
"Boscobel Tracts," so admirably edited by Mr. Hughes, I resolved to
write a story on the subject, which should comprehend the principal
incidents described in the various narratives of the King's adventures;
but not having at that time visited any of the hiding-places, I
deferred my design, and possibly might never have executed it, had I
not seen a series of Views depicting most graphically the actual state
of the different places visited by Charles, and privately published by
Mr. Frederick Manning, of Leamington.
Stimulated by these remarkable sketches, I at once commenced my
long-delayed Tale.
An enthusiast on the subject, Mr. Manning has collected all the
numerous editions of the "Boscobel Tracts," and has printed a list of
them, which is exceedingly curious. The collection is probably unique.
His nephew, Mr. John E. Anderdon, whose death occurred while this work
was in the press, was also an enthusiastic collector of all matters
relating to Boscobel and the King's escapes, and from both these
gentlemen I have derived much valuable assistance[1].
I am under equal obligations to my excellent friend, Mr. Parke, of the
Deanery, Wolverhampton, who has furnished me with many curious tracts,
prints, plans, and privately printed books relating to Boscobel,
Brewood, and Chillington. I shall always retain a most agreeable
recollection of a visit paid to Chillington in company with Mr. Parke
and the Hon. Charles Wrottesley, and of our hearty reception by the
hospitable Squire.
Among the various works relating to Boscobel that have come under my
notice is a charming little volume written by the Rev. George Dodd,
Curate of Doddington, Salop, the village where Boscobel is situated,
who has ascertained all the facts connected with the story.
Boscobel House, I rejoice to say, is in very good preservation, and I
sincerely hope it may not be altered, or _improved_, as is the case
with Trent--a most interesting old house. Moseley Hall is still extant;
but, alas! Bentley House and Abbots Leigh are gone.
Finer figures do not appear in history than those of the devoted Jane
Lane and the stalwart and loyal Penderel Brothers. "The simple rustic
who serves his sovereign in time of need to the utmost extent of his
ability, is as deserving of commendation as the victorious leader of
thousands." So said King Charles the Second to Richard Penderel after
the Restoration. It is pleasant to think that several descendants of
the loyal family of Penderels are still in existence. With some of them
I have been in correspondence.[2]
Good fortune seems to have attended those who aided the fugitive
monarch. Many representatives of the old families who assisted him
in his misfortunes are to be found--Mr. John Newton Lane, of King's
Bromley Hall, near Lichfield, a lineal descendant of the Lanes; Mr.
Tombs, of Long Marston; Mr. Whitgreave, of Moseley; the Giffards, of
Chillington; and the ennobled family of Wyndham.
In describing the King's flight from Worcester to White Ladies on
the night of the fatal 3rd of September, I have followed exactly the
careful topographical description furnished by the Rev. Edward Bradley,
Rector of Stretton, Oakham, to _Notes and Queries_, June 13th, 1868.
Mr. Bradley has been the first to trace out the King's route, and to
him all credit is due.[3]
"I know of no part of our annals," remarks Mr. Hughes, "which
continues to be so familiar a subject of conversation among the
commonalty as that connected with 'King Charles and the Royal Oak.' In
every village directly or indirectly marked by particular incidents of
the King's escape, the honest rustics preserve their scattered legends
in a shape more or less correct, and mixed and transposed as they
must necessarily be in many cases; and it is pleasing to witness the
yeomanly pride with which, like Catholics zealous for the honour of Our
Lady of some particular shrine, they contend for the appropriation of
some well-known incident, as connected with the good and loyal service
performed by the companions of their forefathers. The interest is,
in most cases, strengthened by the existence of the identical houses
where the circumstances in question took place, and of the principal
families whose names figure conspicuously in the Tale, as well as by
the slightness of difference between our present domestic habits and
those of a time commencing, as it were, the more familiar era of dates.
And to all ranks, in fact, the occurrences in question are calculated
to present one of those pleasing episodes in history, distinct from the
wearying details of bloodshed and political intrigue, which we dwell
on with unmixed satisfaction as reflecting honour on our national good
faith, and as brought home to our fancy by those domestic _minutiæ_,
which form so great a charm in the Odyssey. The reality here presents
all those features of romance which the imagination chiefly supplies
in the Partie de Chasse d'Henri IV., or the incognitos of Haroun
Alraschid."
It has been very pleasant to me to follow the King in his wanderings
from place to place; and I have reason to believe that the story
excited some interest in the different localities as it proceeded, when
first published in a serial form.
In describing the old and faithful city of Worcester at the time of
the Battle, I have received very great assistance from a distinguished
local antiquary, which I have acknowledged in its place.
Never did Charles bear himself better than after the Battle. Though
vanquished he was not overcome. Truthfully, though in somewhat
high-flown strains, has Cowley sung of him:
Yet still great Charles's valour stood the test,
By fortune though forsaken and opprest.
Witness the purple-dyed Sabrina's stream,
And the Red Hill, not called so now in vain.
And Worcester, thou who didst the misery bear,
And saw'st the end of a long fatal war.
The Tale closes with the King's departure from Heale. How he journeyed
from Salisbury to Brightelmstone, and embarked safely on board Captain
Tattersall's bark at Shoreham, I have elsewhere related.
HURSTPIERPOINT, _October 9, 1872_.
NOTE BY MR. MANNING.
When Charles arrived within a mile of Stratford, perceiving a body
of troopers, he and his party proceeded, by the road marked A in
the plan, as far as the junction B. They then returned by the road
marked C, and at the end of the lane, went down the hill into
Stratford between the two large estates of Clopton and Welcombe,
and over the bridge to Marston.
[Illustration: ++ MAP OF ROAD TO STRATFORD.]
CONTENTS.
PAGE
DEDICATION iii.
PREFACE v.
BOOK I.
THE BATTLE OF WORCESTER.
CHAPTER I.
HOW CHARLES THE SECOND ARRIVED BEFORE WORCESTER, AND CAPTURED
A FORT, WHICH HE NAMED "FORT ROYAL" 1
CHAPTER II.
SHOWING HOW THE MAYOR OF WORCESTER AND THE SHERIFF WERE
TAKEN TO UPTON-ON-SEVERN, AND HOW THEY GOT BACK AGAIN 9
CHAPTER III.
HOW CHARLES MADE HIS TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO WORCESTER; AND HOW
HE WAS PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR AND SHERIFF OF THAT LOYAL CITY 15
CHAPTER IV.
HOW CHARLES WAS LODGED IN THE EPISCOPAL PALACE; AND HOW
DOCTOR CROSBY PREACHED BEFORE HIS MAJESTY IN THE CATHEDRAL 21
CHAPTER V.
HOW CHARLES RODE TO MADRESFIELD COURT; AND HOW MISTRESS JANE
LANE AND HER BROTHER, WITH SIR CLEMENT FISHER, WERE PRESENTED
TO HIS MAJESTY 24
CHAPTER VI.
HOW CHARLES ASCENDED THE WORCESTERSHIRE BEACON; AND OF THE
AMBUSCADE PREPARED FOR HIM AS HE CAME DOWN 29
CHAPTER VII.
HOW COLONEL LEGGE BROUGHT IMPORTANT NEWS TO THE KING, AND HOW
HIS MAJESTY PAID A VISIT TO SEVERN END 32
CHAPTER VIII.
OF THE COUNSEL GIVEN BY COLONEL LESLEY TO THE KING 38
CHAPTER IX.
OF THE GRAND MUSTER AT PITCHCROFT 40
CHAPTER X.
THE BIVOUAC ON THE PLAIN 44
CHAPTER XI.
COLONEL ROSCARROCK RELATES HOW THE EARL OF DERBY WAS ROUTED
AT WIGAN 48
CHAPTER XII.
HOW URSO GIVES WAS WEDDED TO MARY RUSHOUT 51
CHAPTER XIII.
SHOWING HOW THE KING HAD FORTIFIED THE CITY 53
CHAPTER XIV.
BY WHAT MEANS GENERAL LAMBERT GAINED THE PASS AT UPTON
BRIDGE 56
CHAPTER XV.
HOW CROMWELL RECONNOITRED THE CITY FROM RED HILL 60
CHAPTER XVI.
IN WHICH MASSEY PROPOSES A NIGHT ATTACK ON THE ENEMY 63
CHAPTER XVII.
HOW THE SUBURBS OF THE CITY WERE BURNT 66
CHAPTER XVIII.
HOW URSO GIVES HAD AN INTERVIEW WITH THE LORD GENERAL IN
THE STABLE OF SPETCHLEY MANOR-HOUSE 69
CHAPTER XIX.
THE CAMISADE 76
CHAPTER XX.
HOW URSO GIVES WAS ARRESTED 79
CHAPTER XXI.
SHOWING HOW DAME GIVES BECAME A WIDOW 87
CHAPTER XXII.
HOW THE EARL OF DERBY ARRIVED AT WORCESTER 91
CHAPTER XXIII.
IN WHAT MANNER JANE LANE WAS CAPTURED, AND BROUGHT BEFORE
CROMWELL 97
CHAPTER XXIV.
WHAT CHARLES BEHELD FROM THE SUMMIT OF THE CATHEDRAL TOWER 100
CHAPTER XXV.
HOW CROMWELL CONSTRUCTED A BRIDGE OF BOATS ACROSS THE SEVERN 106
CHAPTER XXVI.
HOW CROMWELL THREW A FLYING BRIDGE OVER THE TEME 108
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE FIGHT OF POWICK BRIDGE 110
CHAPTER XXVIII.
HOW THE BATTERY ON PERRY WOOD WAS TAKEN BY THE KING 113
CHAPTER XXIX.
HOW THE BATTLE OF WORCESTER WAS LOST BY THE KING 117
CHAPTER XXX.
HOW THE ENEMY ENTERED THE CITY, AND HOW THE KING QUITTED IT 119
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE LAST STAND MADE BY THE ROYALISTS 123
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE CONSULTATION AT BARBOURNE BRIDGE, AND THE KING'S FLIGHT 125
BOOK II.
WHITE LADIES.
CHAPTER I.
HOW CROMWELL VISITED THE DYING DUKE OF HAMILTON AT THE COMMANDERY;
AND WHAT PASSED BETWEEN THEM 128
CHAPTER II.
HOW THE FUGITIVE KING AND HIS COMPANIONS RODE FROM BARBOURNE
BRIDGE TO WHITE LADIES 133
CHAPTER III.
THE PENDERELS 137
CHAPTER IV.
HOW CHARLES WAS DISGUISED AS A WOODMAN 142
CHAPTER V.
HOW CHARLES WAS CONCEALED IN SPRING COPPICE, AND HOW IT RAINED
THERE, AND NOWHERE ELSE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD 147
CHAPTER VI.
HOW CHARLES SUPPED AT HOBBAL GRANGE, AND WHOM HE MET THERE 150
CHAPTER VII.
HOW CHARLES AND TRUSTY DICK WERE FRIGHTENED BY THE MILLER OF
EVELITH 155
CHAPTER VIII.
HOW THE KING WAS RECEIVED BY MR. FRANCIS WOOLFE AT MADELEY
COURT 156
BOOK III.
THE ROYAL OAK.
CHAPTER I.
SHOWING HOW THE HUNTING-LODGE WAS BUILT BY THE LORD OF CHILLINGTON,
AND HOW IT ACQUIRED ITS NAME 163
CHAPTER II.
HOW TRUSTY DICK BETHOUGHT HIM OF THE OAK 167
CHAPTER III.
HOW THE KING AND CARELESS TOOK REFUGE IN THE OAK 172
CHAPTER IV.
HOW CARELESS CAPTURED AN OWL IN THE OAK 174
CHAPTER V.
HOW THEY BREAKFASTED IN THE OAK 176
CHAPTER VI.
HOW COLONEL JAMES HALTED BENEATH THE OAK 179
CHAPTER VII.
HOW THEY PLAYED AT DICE IN THE OAK 180
CHAPTER VIII.
HOW THEY HAD A VISITOR IN THE OAK, AND IN WHAT MANNER THEY
TREATED HIM 182
CHAPTER IX.
HOW CHARLES SLEPT IN THE SECRET CLOSET; AND HOW CARELESS SLEPT
IN A PRIEST'S HOLE IN THE GARRET 185
CHAPTER X.
IN WHICH THE KING PROVES HIMSELF A GOOD COOK 189
CHAPTER XI.
WHAT BROUGHT FATHER HUDDLESTONE TO BOSCOBEL 191
BOOK IV.
MOSELEY OLD HALL.
CHAPTER I.
CHILLINGTON HOUSE 195
CHAPTER II.
HOW THE KING WAS WELL-NIGH CAPTURED BY MADMANNAH 198
CHAPTER III.
HOW THE KING RODE THE MILLER'S HORSE; AND HOW HE WAS ESCORTED
DURING HIS RIDE 203
CHAPTER IV.
WHERE THE KING FOUND JASPER 208
CHAPTER V.
BY WHAT DEVICE THE KING ESCAPED BEING CAPTURED BY COLONEL
ASHENHURST 211
CHAPTER VI.
HOW THE KING BADE FAREWELL TO THE PENDERELS; AND HOW HIS
MAJESTY WAS RECEIVED BY MR. THOMAS WHITGREAVE OF MOSELEY
OLD HALL 215
CHAPTER VII.
HOW THE KING WAS PRESENTED TO MRS. WHITGREAVE 220
CHAPTER VIII.
HOW TWO SPIES CAME BY NIGHT TO MOSELEY OLD HALL 223
BOOK V.
JANE LANE.
CHAPTER I.
BY WHOM THE TWO SPIES WERE PUT TO FLIGHT 227
CHAPTER II.
HOW THE KING ARRIVED AT BENTLEY HOUSE 231
CHAPTER III.
HOW WILL JONES FOUND A FRIEND IN THE STABLE 234
CHAPTER IV.
HOW WILL JONES BREAKFASTED WITH THE MEN-SERVANTS IN THE BUTTERY 236
CHAPTER V.
HOW THEY SET OUT ON THE JOURNEY 238
CHAPTER VI.
WHAT PASSED BETWEEN WILL JONES AND THE BLACKSMITH 241
CHAPTER VII.
HOW THEY WERE RECEIVED AT PACKINGTON HALL 243
CHAPTER VIII.
HOW THEY WERE STOPPED BY THE TROOPERS AT WOOTTON WAWEN 247
CHAPTER IX.
HOW THEY ARRIVED AT LONG MARSTON 249
CHAPTER X.
HOW CHARLES INCURRED THE COOK'S DISPLEASURE 252
BOOK VI.
ABBOTS LEIGH.
CHAPTER I.
HOW THE TWO GROOMS CHANGED HORSES AT STOKE-ON-THE-WOLD 258
CHAPTER II.
HOW CHARLES TOOK SHELTER DURING A STORM IN RATS ABBEY BARN;
AND HOW HE DELIVERED CARELESS AND DAME GIVES FROM THE
TROOPERS 262
CHAPTER III.
WHAT PASSED IN THE BARBER'S SHOP AT CIRENCESTER 266
CHAPTER IV.
BRISTOL IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY 269
CHAPTER V.
HOW CHARLES FOUND A FAITHFUL ADHERENT AT ABBOTS LEIGH 272
CHAPTER VI.
CARELESS BRINGS THE KING GOOD NEWS 275
CHAPTER VII.
THE TAVERN-KEEPER AND THE SKIPPER 278
CHAPTER VIII.
ST. AUGUSTINE'S GREEN 281
CHAPTER IX.
THE GORGE OF THE AVON 283
BOOK VII.
TRENT.
CHAPTER I.
OF THE VENGEANCE TAKEN BY CARELESS ON THE TROOPERS 287
CHAPTER II.
HOW JANE LANE AGREED TO ATTEND THE KING TO TRENT 291
CHAPTER III.
COLONEL FRANCIS WYNDHAM, OF TRENT 293
CHAPTER IV.
JULIANA CONINGSBY 299
CHAPTER V.
HOW CHARLES ARRIVED AT TRENT 304
CHAPTER VI.
OF THE PARTING BETWEEN THE KING AND JANE LANE 306
CHAPTER VII.
OF THE INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE KING AND SIR JOHN STANGWAYS IN
MELBURY PARK 308
CHAPTER VIII.
HOW THE KING HEARD THE PARTICULARS OF HIS OWN DEATH AND BURIAL 311
CHAPTER IX.
CAPTAIN ELLESDON OF LYME REGIS 315
CHAPTER X.
STEPHEN LIMBRY OF CHARMOUTH, SHIP-MASTER 318
CHAPTER XI.
OF THE ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY HARRY PETERS WITH DAME SWAN 322
CHAPTER XII.
HOW THE KING PLAYED AT HIDE-AND-SEEK AT TRENT 324
CHAPTER XIII.
HOW CHARLES SET OUT FOR CHARMOUTH 329
CHAPTER XIV.
HOW THE KING AND JULIANA WERE RECEIVED BY DAME SWAN 332
CHAPTER XV.
THE WATCHERS BY THE SEA 337
CHAPTER XVI.
HOW THE GREY MARE PROVED THE BETTER HORSE 339
CHAPTER XVII.
THE REVEREND BARTHOLOMEW WESLEY 342
CHAPTER XVIII.
HOW THE KING FLED FROM BRIDPORT HARBOUR 348
CHAPTER XIX.
BROAD WINDSOR 352
CHAPTER XX
COLONEL ROBIN PHILIPS, OF MONTACUTE HOUSE 354
CHAPTER XXI.
HOW THE KING LEFT TRENT 357
CHAPTER XXII.
HOW THEY DINED AT THE GEORGE AT MERE; AND HOW THE HOST
RELATED HIS DREAM 360
CHAPTER XXIII.
HEALE HOUSE 362
CHAPTER XXIV.
HOW CHARLES ENCOUNTERED DESBOROUGH ON SALISBURY PLAIN 364
CHAPTER XXV.
THE PARTING AT STONEHENGE 366
ILLUSTRATIONS.
CHARLES AND CARELESS HIDING IN THE OAK _To face Title._
SITE OF FORT ROYAL 9
JANE LANE PRESENTED TO CHARLES II. 27
ROOM IN THE COMMANDERY 65
OLD BRIDGE AT POWICK 110
PLAN OF WORCESTER IN 1651 128
WHITE LADIES 137
BOSCOBEL HOUSE 159
ROOM AT BOSCOBEL HOUSE 163
FRONT VIEW OF BOSCOBEL HOUSE 167
CHARLES HIDING IN THE SECRET CLOSET AT BOSCOBEL HOUSE 199
MOSELEY HALL 223
CHARLES AND JANE LANE SETTING OUT FROM BENTLEY HOUSE 238
ABBOTS LEIGH 272
TRENT HOUSE 293
THE KING'S ROOM IN TRENT HOUSE 306
BOSCOBEL; OR, THE ROYAL OAK.
Book the First.
THE BATTLE OF WORCESTER.
CHAPTER I.
HOW CHARLES THE SECOND ARRIVED BEFORE WORCESTER, AND CAPTURED A FORT,
WHICH HE NAMED "FORT ROYAL."
During the Civil Wars, the old and faithful city of Worcester
suffered severely for its devotion to the royal cause. Twice was it
besieged--twice sacked by the Parliamentarians. In 1642, the Earl
of Essex marched with a large force against the place, stormed and
pillaged it, and sent several of the wealthier citizens prisoners to
London. Four years later--namely, in 1646--the city again declared for
the king, and being captured by the Roundheads, after an obstinate
defence, underwent harder usage than before. Besides plundering
the inhabitants, the soldiers of the Commonwealth, exasperated by
the resistance they had encountered, did much damage to the public
buildings, especially to the cathedral, the interior of which
magnificent edifice was grievously injured. According to their custom,
the troopers stabled their horses in the aisles, and converted the
choir into a barrack, and the chapter-house into a guard-room. The
organ was destroyed; the rich painted glass of the windows broken;
many monuments mutilated; and the ancient records preserved in the
library burnt. The exquisitely carved stone cross in the churchyard,
from the pulpit of which Latimer and Whitgift had preached, was pulled
down. Before this, John Prideaux, somewhile Bishop of Worcester, had
been deprived of his see, and the dean and prebends dismissed--Church
of England divines having given place to Presbyterian ministers,
Independents, and Anabaptists.
But notwithstanding their sufferings in the good cause, the loyalty of
the Worcester Cavaliers remained unshaken. Heavy fines and imprisonment
could not subdue their spirit. To the last they continued true to the
unfortunate king, though any further attempt at rising was checked
by the strong garrison left in charge of the city, and commanded by
Colonel John James, one of the strictest of the Republican leaders.
After the terrible tragedy of Whitehall, the Cavaliers of Worcester
transferred their allegiance to the eldest son of the royal martyr
and heir to the crown. All the principal citizens put on mourning,
and every countenance, except those of the soldiers of the garrison,
wore a sorrowful aspect. A funeral sermon, the text being, "Judge, and
avenge my cause, O Lord," was preached by Doctor Crosby, the deprived
dean, to a few persons assembled secretly by night in the crypt of
the cathedral, and prayers were offered up for the preservation of
Prince Charles, and his speedy restoration to the throne. The service,
however, was interrupted by a patrol of musketeers, and the dean was
seized and lodged in Edgar's Tower, an old fortified gate-house at the
entrance of the cathedral close. Never had Worcester been so gloomy and
despondent as at this period.
Nor did the hopes of the loyal citizens revive till the middle of
August, 1651, when intelligence was received that Charles, who had
been recently crowned at Scone, had escaped Cromwell's vigilance, and
crossing the border with a considerable army, had pursued the direct
route to Lancaster. Thence he continued his rapid march through Preston
to Warrington, where he forced the bridge over the Mersey, in spite of
the efforts of Generals Lambert and Harrison to arrest his progress.
The young king, it was said, was making his way to his faithful city of
Worcester, where he meant to establish his head-quarters and recruit
his forces before marching on London.
The news seemed too good to be true, yet it obtained ready credence,
and it was evident Colonel James believed it, for he forthwith began to
put the fortifications in order. The commandant, in fact, had received
a despatch from General Lambert, informing him that he and General
Harrison had failed in preventing the young King of Scots from passing
the bridge over the Mersey at Warrington, and had been disappointed in
their expectation that he would give them battle on Knutsford Heath,
where they awaited him.
Favoured by night, the young king had continued his march unmolested,
it being understood from prisoners they had taken, that he was making
for Worcester. Charles Stuart's forces, Lambert said, had been greatly
reduced by desertions since he entered England, and now amounted to
no more than eight thousand infantry and three thousand horse, and he
was only provided with sixteen leathern guns. As yet he had obtained
few recruits, the country gentlemen holding aloof, or being prevented
by the militia from joining his standard. But the Earl of Derby had
undertaken to raise large levies in Lancashire and Cheshire, and had
been left behind by the king for that purpose. It was to defeat the
earl's design that the two Parliamentary generals deemed it expedient
to remain where they were rather than pursue the royal army. Many
malignants, Papists, and Presbyterians, ill affected towards the
Commonwealth, would doubtless join Lord Derby, who, unless he were
speedily discomfited, might become formidable. But discomfited he
assuredly would be, and his forces scattered like chaff, since the Lord
would fight on the side of his elect. This good work achieved, the
two generals would hasten to the relief of Worcester. Speedy succour
might also be expected from the Lord General Cromwell, who was in close
pursuit of the Scots' king, at the head of twelve thousand cavalry and
infantry. Colonel James was, therefore, exhorted to hold out.
General Lambert further stated in his despatch, that Charles was
accompanied by the most experienced leaders in the Scottish army--by
the crafty and cautious Colonel Lesley, who had so long baffled
Cromwell himself--by Generals Montgomery, Middleton, Massey, and
Dalyell, and by the valiant Colonel Pitscottie, with his Highland
regiment. Besides these, there were several English and Scotch nobles,
the Dukes of Buckingham and Hamilton, the Earls of Rothes, Lauderdale,
Carnworth, and Cleveland; Lords Spyne, Sinclair, and Wilmot; Sir John
Douglas, Sir Alexander Forbes, and others.
While scanning this imposing list, and reflecting that the royal forces
numbered at least eleven thousand men, Colonel James asked himself
how he could possibly hold out against them with a garrison of only
five hundred? He was ill supplied with cannon and ammunition, and the
fortifications were ruinous. Moreover, the citizens were hostile,
and so far from lending him aid, were ready to rise in favour of the
king. He should have to contend against foes within as well as enemies
without. His position seemed desperate, and though as brave a man as
need be, he was filled with misgiving.
Before proceeding, it may be proper to ascertain how far the old
city was capable of defence. Five years previously it had stood a
lengthened siege, but the circumstances then were wholly different,
for the citizens were arrayed against the besiegers, and fought
obstinately. The walls were much damaged at that time, and had only
been partially repaired, consequently the towers and bastions were in
a dilapidated state. Outside the walls, on the south-east, there was a
strong detached fort of recent construction. The castle, which in days
of yore rose proudly on the south side of the cathedral, completely
commanding the navigation of the Severn, had long since been pulled
down, the only vestiges of it left being some fragments of the donjon.
The mound on which the mighty fabric once stood could have been easily
fortified, if time had permitted, and would have formed an important
work. The city, which was of great antiquity, had four gates, each
flanked with towers. The strongest resembled a barbican, and commanded
the quay and the ancient stone bridge across the river. On the north
was the Foregate, "a fair piece of work," as it is described by old
Leland, and not far from it was St. Martin's-gate. On the south was
Sidbury-gate, giving access to the London-road. The Sidbury-gate was
covered by the modern detached fort to which reference has already been
made. Deep dykes, supplied by the Severn, strengthened the defences on
the east and south-east, but the suburbs constituted a danger, since
the habitations would afford shelter to an enemy. Thus it will be
seen that the city was not in a condition to stand a siege, and the
commandant might well despair of holding out, even for a few days,
against the royal forces.
No city can be more charmingly situated than Worcester on the banks
of England's noblest river, in the midst of fair and fertile plains,
abounding in orchards and hop-gardens, and in full view of the lovely
Malvern Hills; but in the middle of the seventeenth century it was
eminently picturesque, as well as beautiful. It was then full of
ancient timber houses, with quaintly carved gables and open balconies,
from the midst of which rose the massive roof and tower of the
venerable cathedral, and the lofty spire of St. Andrew's Church. The
old walls, grey and ruinous as they were, the fortified gates, the
sculptured crosses, and the antique stone bridge, with its many-pointed
arches, contributed to its beauty. The noble episcopal palace, the
group of old buildings near the cathedral, and the ruins on the castle
hill--all formed a striking picture when seen from St. John's on the
opposite side of the river.
"The wealth of Worcester standeth most by drapery," quoth old Leland,
who wrote in Henry VIII.'s time, and the place had long been noted
for its broadcloths and gloves. But many of the wealthiest drapers,
glovers, and hop-merchants had been ruined by the heavy fines inflicted
upon them by the grasping Parliamentarians, and the city had scarcely
yet regained its former prosperity.
Almost simultaneously with the arrival of General Lambert's despatch,
a letter was brought by a secret messenger to Mr. Thomas Lysons, then
mayor of Worcester, and an avowed Royalist. It came from Captain
Fanshawe, the king's secretary, and gave a very different version of
the affair at Warrington from that furnished by Lambert.
According to Fanshawe, his majesty had displayed great personal
courage on the occasion. He found the enemy, consisting of about seven
thousand men, united under Lambert and Harrison, in possession of the
bridge across the Mersey, which they had partly broken down, and he
immediately attacked them with his advanced troops. His impetuosity
proved irresistible. A passage being forced, the whole army followed,
and the enemy retreated in great disorder, and with heavy losses.
During the night, upwards of three thousand of the "rebellious rogues,"
as Fanshawe styled them, disbanded. The Parliamentary generals did not
venture to attack the king again, but allowed him to continue his march
towards Worcester without further interruption. The faithful citizens
might, therefore, prepare to welcome their sovereign, who would soon be
with them.
The mayor immediately called a public meeting in the Guildhall, and
read Captain Fanshawe's letter to the assemblage. Great was the
enthusiasm excited by it. The hall resounded with cries of "Long live
Charles II.!" The joyful intelligence quickly spread throughout the
city, and crowds collected in the High-street, shouting "Down with
the Commonwealth! Up with the Crown!" The concourse was dispersed by
Colonel James and a troop of horse, but in the conflict several persons
were wounded, and some killed. The mayor and the sheriff, Mr. James
Bridges, were seized, and detained as hostages for the good behaviour
of the citizens--the commandant threatening to hang them both if any
further disturbance occurred. Luckily for the two gentlemen, the
city remained tranquil throughout the night, for most assuredly the
commandant would have been as good as his word.
Next day--Friday, the 22nd of August, 1651--the scouts sent out by
Colonel James reported that the first division of the royal army,
commanded by the young king in person, was close upon Red Hill--already
described as a woody eminence about a mile distant, on the south of the
city.
Shortly afterwards, the enemy's cavalry skirmishers could be
distinguished on Perry Wood. Then the advanced guard appeared--the
helmets and corslets of the cuirassiers glittering in the sunbeams.
Thousands of loyal citizens, who were forbidden to mount the
fortifications, climbed to the roofs of the houses, and to the tops
of the churches, to obtain a glimpse of the royal army, and could not
restrain their enthusiastic feeling when they beheld it.
Colonel James, who had been actively employed throughout the whole
night in making the best defensive preparations in his power, had seen
that all the engineers on the ramparts were at their posts, and he now
proceeded to the detached fort near the Sidbury-gate.
Mounting to the summit, which bristled with cannon, he turned his
spy-glass towards the brow of the hill opposite to him, and presently
beheld a company of richly accoutred officers ride out of the wood that
clothed the eminence, and proceed to reconnoitre the fortifications
from various points. That the foremost of the troop was the young
king himself he had no doubt, as well from the splendour of his
accoutrements and the white plume in his hat, as from the deference
paid him by his attendants. Evidently his majesty's brilliant staff
was composed of the general officers and nobles mentioned in General
Lambert's despatch. That they were planning the attack of the city was
clear.
While watching the young monarch's movements and gestures narrowly
through his glass, Colonel James saw him sign to one of his
aides-de-camps, a fine-looking young man, and remarkably well mounted,
who instantly rode up at the summons.
Major Careless, the aide-de-camp in question, was as brave as he was
handsome, though somewhat rash, and an especial favourite of the
king. Having received his majesty's orders, he promptly obeyed them.
Accompanied only by a trumpeter bearing a flag of truce, he galloped
down the hill, shaping his course towards the Sidbury-gate, and, within
fifty yards of it, he halted, and the trumpeter blew a blast so loud
that the old walls rang again.
A shower of bullets from the battlements would have answered the
summons, if Colonel James had not previously sent word that the flag of
truce must be respected.
The men eyed the insolent Cavalier sternly, and one of them called out,
"If thou hast any message for the commandant of the garrison, he will
be found in yonder fort."
Thereupon Careless moved off, glancing haughtily and contemptuously at
the artillerymen on the ramparts as he rode along.
On reaching the fort, he descried Colonel James stationed near the edge
of the parapets, and leaning upon his sword. Half a dozen musketeers in
their steel caps, buff coats, and bandileers, were standing behind him.
"Are you the commandant?" he called out.
"Ay," replied Colonel James. "What wouldst thou with me?"
"Thus much," said Careless, in a loud authoritative voice: "In the
name of his majesty, King Charles II., who is on yonder hill with his
army, I require you to deliver up this his city of Worcester, which you
unlawfully hold as deputy of a presumptuous and rebellious parliament.
His majesty is willing to extend his clemency towards you, and if you
at once throw open the gates, and lay down your arms----"
"Hold!" interrupted the commandant, sternly. "I do not recognise the
authority of him whom thou stylest king. The house of Jeroboam, who
sinned, and who caused Israel to sin, has been cut off. I will not deny
that the young man, Charles Stuart, hath been crowned in Scotland,
but in England he hath no rule. His proclamation has been burnt by
the common hangman in London, and a counter-proclamation published
by the Parliament, declaring him, his aiders and abettors--of whom
thou, thyself, art one--guilty of high treason against the State, and
punishable by death. Shall I, an officer of the Commonwealth, and
intrusted with the charge of this city, open its gates to a proclaimed
traitor? Shall I command my men to lay down their arms to him? Not so.
I utterly disregard thy king's summons, and though he be backed by the
whole Scottish host, yet will I not yield the city to him, but placing
my trust in the Lord, will maintain it against him."
"Provoke not the king by your obstinacy," said Careless, losing
patience. "If you force us to storm the fortifications, you can expect
no quarter. We will put you all to the sword."
Perfectly unmoved by the threat, Colonel James answered, in the
religious jargon then habitually adopted by the Republican soldiers:
"The Lord of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. I doubt
not we shall have timely succour."
"From whom?" demanded Careless, with a sneer.
"From the Lord General Cromwell, who is hastening hither with his
legions."
"The city will be ours, and thou and thy rebel horde will be destroyed
ere that arch-traitor and parricide can arrive," cried Careless,
fiercely.
"Keep guard upon thy tongue, or I will not answer for thy safety," said
the commandant, checking the musketeers behind him, who were preparing
to give fire. "Take back my answer to the king, thy master. I have
nothing to add to it."
"We will soon be with you," shouted Careless.
And, shaking his hand menacingly at the soldiers, he rode off with his
attendant.
While this interview took place, Charles remained on Perry Wood with
his generals. He was not in the least surprised to learn from Careless
that his gracious offer had been rejected by the commandant.
"Let the attack be made at once," he cried. "I will lead it in person."
"I admire your majesty's spirit," observed General Dalyell. "But I pray
you not to run so much risk."
"Risk, say you?" cried Charles, gaily. "Faith, Tom, you would have all
the credit of the affair. But you shall not rob me of it. I mean to be
first to enter yonder fort."
Generals Middleton and Montgomery likewise attempted to dissuade him
from his purpose, but ineffectually.
The general officers then rode off to give the necessary orders for the
attack. Trumpets were sounded, and shortly afterwards the sides of the
hill were covered with troops in rapid movement. Ere they got half-way
down, the guns of the fort opened upon them, but did not check their
progress. Presently the artillery of the Royalists returned the fire
of the Republicans, and the king, who was at the head of the advanced
guard, saw the cannon pointed.
His majesty being recognised, the commandant directed the musketeers
on the ramparts to make him their mark; but he really seemed to bear a
charmed life, for though an officer close beside him was hit by a round
shot, and his own horse was killed under him, he himself was uninjured.
The leathern guns of the Royalists were worked so well, that three of
the fort guns were speedily silenced, and Charles then ordered instant
preparations to be made for the assault.
Scaling-ladders were placed against the walls. Several men were
struck down while executing this perilous task, but no sooner was it
accomplished than Charles caused the trumpet to be sounded, and sword
in hand, mounted the nearest ladder.
A soldier, armed with a pike, strove to hurl him from the ladder, but
the man was shot by Careless, who followed the king closely.
Again, while springing over the parapets, Charles was opposed by a
musketeer, but he cut him down, and next moment the heroic young
monarch was joined by Careless, and instantly afterwards by a dozen of
his body-guard, and their number was quickly augmented.
Charles was now master of the fort, for the Republican soldiers, after
an ineffectual resistance, were put to the sword.
In the struggle, Colonel James discharged a pistol at the king, but
missed his mark, and in his turn was attacked by Careless.
"I told you we would soon be with you," cried the Cavalier. "Yield, and
I will spare thy life."
"I would not accept life at thy hands," rejoined the commandant. "Look
to thyself!"
And beating down Careless's point with his heavy blade, he stepped
quickly backwards and disappeared. He had, in fact, dashed down a
narrow staircase communicating with the lower chambers of the fort, and
secured his retreat by pulling a trap-door over the entrance.
Meanwhile, Charles had torn down the flag of the Commonwealth, and
replaced it by the royal standard. As soon as this signal of victory
could be distinguished by his forces loud cheers were raised.
Possession was immediately taken of the fort, but no prisoners were
made, for Colonel James, and the few of his men left alive, had
evacuated the lower chambers. They had fled, it appeared, by a covered
way, and had entered the city through a postern near the Sidbury-gate.
[Illustration: SITE OF FORT ROYAL.]
By-and-bye the general officers came to congratulate the king on his
victory and express their admiration of his prowess, and it then became
a question whether the siege should be continued--General Dalyell
being of opinion that the city could be captured before night, if an
immediate attack were made upon the fortifications; but Charles decided
on waiting till the morrow.
"I have done enough for the day," he said. "Since I am master of this
fort, the city is at my disposal, and I can occupy it at my leisure."
"Very true, my liege," observed Dalyell. "But the garrison will take
advantage of your forbearance to escape."
"I will not molest them if they adopt that prudent course," said the
king, laughing. "They have ceased firing from the walls."
"But the men are still at their posts."
"If they give us any further trouble, we can turn these guns upon them.
Hark ye, gentlemen. Henceforth this fort shall be known as Fort Royal."
"A fitting designation, since your majesty has captured it," said
Dalyell.
"Let the tents be pitched," said Charles. "The day's work is over. We
can take our rest after our long march. To-morrow we will enter the
city in triumph."
All happened precisely as Charles had foreseen. Not another shot was
fired by the Republicans. The Royalists encamped quietly on the hill.
But though no apprehensions were entertained of an attack, those within
Fort Royal were kept on the alert throughout the night.
Colonel James, however, had other designs. Convinced by what had
happened that the fortifications were no longer tenable, he decided
on abandoning them. With the whole of his men, he quitted the city
secretly at dead of night, taking the mayor and the sheriff with him
as prisoners. Crossing the bridge over the Severn, he rode off in the
direction of Gloucester.
The Royalists were aware of his retreat, but, in obedience to the
king's injunctions, did not seek to interrupt him.