The Monarch's Way is a 625-mile (1,006 km) long-distance footpath in England that approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester. It runs from Worcester via Bristol and Yeovil to Shoreham, West Sussex.
Waymark on a public footpath
Monarch's Way following the towpath of the Anson Branch Canal
River Chew
View from the Monarch's Way on the flank of Beacon Hill across the Meon Valley towards Old Winchester Hill
After the final defeat of Royalists in the English Civil War against Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651, the future Charles II of England was forced to flee England. With the support of a network of Royalist gentry, Charles first attempted to escape into Wales, then to Bristol disguised as a servant, then to the south coast at Charmouth. Finally, he rode east to Shoreham from where he sailed for France on 15 October 1651. During the six-week flight, he passed through numerous English counties, and at one point was forced to hide in an oak tree on the grounds of a house that was being searched by Parliamentarian soldiers. A £1000 reward had been offered for information leading to Charles's capture.
King Charles II in Boscobel Wood by Isaac Fuller (died 1672)
Plaque outside King Charles House pub, New Street, in Worcester
Boscobel House, Shropshire
A descendant of the Royal Oak at Boscobel House