King Charles's Wood

A modest little affair near me.

Named for when Charles the Second (to be) marched south with a view to regaining power. Sadly for him, the remaining royalists of the Midlands had got a bit fed up of being whooped by Cromwell and produced sick-notes from their mums. So, rather lacking an army, Charley boy ran for his life. Allegedly he used this wood as part of his escape route, ending up hiding in a oak tree at Boscobel a few miles away, like the fierce, brave warrior he plainly was.

When he eventually did gain power all the royalists who had failed to turn up in his hour of need felt a bit guilty and so in a show of support re-named all their pubs The Royal Oak. (Don't let anyone say these daily amuse-bouches aren't educational)

Anyway, I always find the wood rather evocative, as I like the idea of the monarchy running for their lives, and currently it's giving its annual bluebell display - which whilst not a vintage year - is also rather pleasing.



.