The “Royal Oak” at Boscobel perished many years ago, but another tree
has been raised in its stead to mark the spot.
* * * * *
Another correspondent, “Amicus,” who writes to the editor under his real
name, favours the readers of this work with an account of a usage still
preserved, on “Royal Oak day,” in the west of England.
_To the Editor of the Every-day Book._
Sir,
At Tiverton Devon, on the 29th of May, it is customary for a number of
young men, dressed in the style of the 17th century, and armed with
swords, to parade the streets, and gather contributions from the
inhabitants. At the head of the procession walks a man called “Oliver,”
dressed in black, with his face and hands smeared over with soot and
grease, and his body bound by a strong cord, the end of which is held by
one of the men to prevent his running too far. After these come another
troop, dressed in the same style, each man bearing a large branch of
oak: four others, carrying a kind of throne made of oaken boughs on
which a child is seated, bring up the rear. A great deal of merriment is
excited among the boys, at the pranks of master “Oliver,” who capers
about in a most ludicrous manner. Some of them amuse themselves by
casting dirt, whilst others, more mischievously inclined, throw stones
at him; but woe betide the young urchin who is caught; his face assumes
a most awful appearance from the soot and grease with which “Oliver”
begrimes it, whilst his companions, who have been lucky enough to escape
his clutches, testify their pleasure by loud shouts and acclamations.
In the evening the whole party have a feast, the expenses of which are
defrayed by the collection made in the morning.