The Escape of Charles II

by Richard Ollard

Charles II's escape after the Battle of Worcester is one of the best stories in British history - an immortal tale of adventure and suspense. Richard Ollard's account vividly reconstructs the six weeks during which the King was on the run. He responded to this challenge with determination and humour, winning the admiration and loyalty of his followers, many of whom risked their own lives in their efforts to help him.

The events that followed are reported with wit and authority, and the sheet energy of the narrative succeeds in recreating this classic episode in the King's life, presenting the reader with a fascinating glimpse of life in 17th century England.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, English Civil War

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Richard Laurence Ollard was an English historian and biographer. He is best known for his work on the English Restoration period. He was educated at Eton College where he was a King's Scholar. He joined the Navy during the Second World War and won an exhibition to New College, Oxford at its conclusion. For twelve years from 1948 to 1959 Ollard taught history at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich in London. In 1960 he joined the publisher Collins as a senior editor, where he worked until his retirement in 1983. After his retirement from Collins he continued to research and publish widely and lived in Morecombelake, Dorset.

Interests and achievements:

- In 1992 he was awarded the Caird Medal by the Trustees of the National Maritime Museum.
- In 1997 he was joint winner of the Heywood Hill Prize for a lifetime's contribution to the pleasure of reading.
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL)
- Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA)
- Past Vice President of the Navy Records Society
- An honorary member of the Samuel Pepys Club

Reviews

[Augustus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that Great Britain is again ruled by a King Charles, it's entertaining to compare the adventurous character of the last crowned sovereign to bear that name. After Parliament sentenced Charles I to beheading, his son and heir (Charles II) fought on with the Royalist forces until he was defeated at the battle of Worcester in the summer of 1651. This book tells how Charles II managed an escape to France despite a reward of 1,000 pounds on his head. Ollard has studied the various surviving accounts, including the king's own narrative dictated to Samual Pepys almost 30 years after the fact (1680). Despite disguises, diversions and play-acting, there were several times when Charles was nearly caught by the Roundheads, and he combined cleverness with luck in finding one Royalist after another to give him shelter and aid as he struggled to arrange a boat to cross the English Channel.
Charles Spencer's "To Catch a King" is a much more recent treatment of the same subject, and well worth reading. One interesting aspect of Ollard's book, however, is his chapter explaining how Charles rewarded his friends after his Restoration. Ollard also offers an annotated bibliography with useful comments on the contemporaneous sources.

[Martin Marais · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy to read introduction to the adventures that Charles II and his loyal subjects had during the six weeks that the king traveled secretly from Worcester to Brighton. It has certainly given me a taste for reading more about this interesting part of English and Scottish history and has set me up for the start of my walk of the Monarch's Way - the longest inland footpath in England.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb little book, well written and well researched, narrating the story of Charles's escape from Worcester, ending with an 'epilogue' and his restoration in 1660.

[Andy Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and well researched account.

[Louise Culmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling account of Charles II's escape after the battle of Worcester. Apparently, in after years the king was given to talking about his escape at length, and who could blame him? It is an extraordinary and thrilling story, full of narrow escapes, and shows Charles at his best, courageous, resourceful, and quick witted. The heroism of those who helped him, often at great personal risk, is impressive, especially considering there was a reward of £1000 offered for his capture, a vast sum of money in those days, more than most ordinary people could dream of. There are some wonderful humorous moments, in particular the story of the unfortunate Mr Limbry of Charmouth, who was to have taken Charles across the sea in his boat, but who was locked in his bedroom by his indignant wife, determined not to let him risk himself and leave her an impoverished widow. This is a fascinating and gripping tale that could not have been told better.

[Rupert Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant account of the escape. My only minor quibble - and i do mean minor - is that it takes for granted that the reader has some knowledge of the period and background. But generally great.

[Julian Kirkman-Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

great stuff as I once slept in Charles II's bed at dunster castle - a scary night.