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Boscobel House & the Royal Oak

Tradition holds that the true purpose of Boscobel was to serve as a secret place for the shelter of Catholics in time of need.The house was, however, destined for greater importance. Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649, his eldest son made a brave attempt to regain the throne, but his hopes were crushed at Worcester in the final conflict of the Civil War. Young Charles was forced to flee for his life. Initially, the future King Charles II set out to cross the River Severn into Wales, but found his way blocked by Cromwell’s patrols. He sought refuge at Boscobel and hid first in what is now known as the Royal Oak and then spent the night in a priest-hole in the attic. He was escorted to safe house before escaping to France. Boscobel later became a much-visited place, although it remained a working farm. Sold to Walter Evans in 1812, it stayed in his family during the 19th century. In 1918, it was bought by the Earl of Bradford.

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