Charles II and his Escape into Exile

Book excerpt: The English king’s epic escape from his own country is thrillingly recounted in this authoritative history. Though the Parliament of Scotland proclaimed him king in 1649, Charles II faced a formidable enemy in England. His attempt to reclaim the throne ended in defeat at the Battle of Worcester—and thus began the battle to save his own life. Pursued wherever he went by soldiers from the conflict as well as local militia, Charles donned peasant clothing, crudely cut his hair, and tried to adopt a rustic accent. With the secret help of a succession of loyal citizens, he walked till his feet were shredded, waded rivers, coolly mixed with anti-royalists and enemy troopers—and, famously, hid in an oak tree. Never sure of who could be trusted, his peregrinations eventually led to a port in West Sussex where he could secure passage to safety across the Channel. “Unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community, college, and university library Historical Royal British Biographies collections.” —Midwest Book Review