The unfortunate upholder of "divine right in kings" passed to his
account in January, 1649. In 1651, Charles II escaped with his forces
out of Scotland, and marching through the northern and midland
counties, entered Worcester on the 23rd of August. Major-Generals
Lambert and Harrison had despatched some forces to secure the place,
lest the King should make it a quarter or garrison. These and the
country levies made a brave resistance and beat back the Royalists
several times, but the townsmen having laid down their arms, and some
of them shooting at the Parliament soldiers out of the windows, they
removed their ammunition, while a party of only thirty men kept the
enemy at bay. They then retired in good order upon Gloucester, the
King's troops being too much fatigued by their long marches from the
north to pursue them. Charles was proclaimed King in this city. The
result of the disastrous battle of Worcester has been already described
by various historians. William Bagnall, then living in Sidbury, being
one of the "Chamber," or Corporation, turned out a horse, ready bridled
and saddled, for the use of his Majesty, when the latter was so near
being captured. Mr. Bagnall died in a year afterwards, but the family
would never afterwards receive any consideration for the horse or
saddle. In Chambers's "Biographical Illustrations" it is stated that
"Sir Charles Wogan is said to have been robbed of the honour of saving
King Charles II after the battle of Worcester, as he stopped those who
were in chase of his Majesty and Colonel Carless." At Wolverley, in
the dell upon the brink of which Lea Castle stands, is still shown the
spot over which the King crossed on his way to Kinfare and Boscobel.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account