King Charles II is returning to Worcester and the scene of his dramatic escape more than 300 years ago.
At least, the chap promising to “spread merriment this Christmas Eve” certainly looks like King Charles II.
The then future king fled from his lodgings in the city following defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651, before famously avoiding Cromwell’s men by hiding in an oak tree at Boscobel House in Shropshire.
Charles II’s escape from Worcester is immortalised on a plaque outside the historic pub named after him, the King Charles House in New Street.
And that’s exactly where he’ll be planning to spend Saturday afternoon (December 24).
By ‘he’, we actually mean Daniel Williams, a historian from Sutton Coldfield who recreates the 17th century monarch under the name King Charles II Restored.
READ MORE: New owners have big plans for historic Worcester pub where King Charles II hid
“I shall be at King Charles House to toast the return of the festive season from 12pm, starting with a tour of the city beforehand,” he said.
It’s actually the ideal time to celebrate the life of Charles II, who Daniel calls “the king who unbanned Christmas”.
“It seems unthinkable to think about December without the traditional Christmas celebration,” he said.
'Carol singers were silenced'
“But it was once banned in England and beyond. In June 1647, the feast days of Christmas, Easter and Whitsun were all abolished by Parliament.
“To enforce it, New Model Army soldiers were sent to break up church services and festivals, as well as to stop celebrations in public places.
“Soldiers patrolled the streets and took by force any food being cooked for a Christmas celebration when people should have been fasting. Holly and ivy and other traditional decorations were banned. Carol singers were silenced, outlawed.”
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector from December 1653 until his death in September 1658, continued the ban and supported the enforcement of these measures.
“Despite this suppression, the majority of people were not willing to stop celebrating Christmas, even in spite of the actions of the army,” said Daniel.
“Demonstrations sprung up of support and even riots over a number of years on Christmas Day. The people made sure the festival was never allowed to completely die out.
“So when King Charles II came to the throne with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the traditional celebration of Christmas was finally brought back.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here