Earl Spencer sheds light on life of king at Boscobel House
The tale of a king’s escape from his enemies was brought to life yesterday as Earl Spencer paid a visit to an historic landmark.
He was at Boscobel House, on the Staffordshire border, to discuss his new book To Catch a King, which tells the story of Charles II’s escape from England.
It’s the escape so famous they’ve named more than 400 pubs after it.
Boscobel House, on the Staffordshire border, plays a key role in the story of Charles II’s escape from England.
And it’s there that Earl Spencer discussed his new book, To Catch a King, retelling the story yesterday.
After a failed attempt to cross the Severn near Madeley, it is in the grounds at Boscobel House that the young king climbed the Royal Oak to hide from parliamentary militia hunting for him.
The book concentrates on the six weeks the young Charles II spent on the run before escaping to France after defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651, two years after the beheading of his father Charles I.
Earl Spencer said: “This is my fourth book on the Stuarts who I am particularly interested in because of the importance of the Civil War and the drama of that period.
“The more I looked into Charles II’s story, the more fantastic I realised it was. It is very dramatic.
“I also think that these days there is more of an appetite for history books that concentrate on a moment in time when everything hangs in the balance.” Daisy Lambert, Boscobel House site manager, said they were delighted to have welcomed Earl Spencer to the venue.
“This special literary afternoon took place in the very parlour where the Pendrell family, who lived on the estate, entertained Charles II.
“To Catch a King is a thrilling account of Charles’ escape after the Battle of Worcester, including his stay at Boscobel House and the Royal Oak.
“We enjoyed hearing about Earl Spencer’s new research into this fascinating historical period, right here at the place where it all happened.”
