FIVE MORE PLACES TO EXPLORE

1 Scone Palace PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND Where Charles was crowned king

After agreeing to Presbyterian demands, Charles was crowned king of Scotland at Scone Palace on 1 January 1651, following the tradition of Scottish kings. The ceremony took place on Moot Hill and was Scotland’s last coronation.

2 Worcester WORCESTERSHIRE Where the royalist cause was lost

Worcester saw the final defeat for the royalists and much of the battlefield itself is still open agricultural land. The top of the cathedral tower gives the best view of the battlefield, while the Civil War visitor centre in the Commandery gives an interesting background to the period.

3 White Ladies Priory COSFORD, SHROPSHIRE Where Charles II hid from enemies

The ruins of the 12th-century White Ladies Priory are a 20-minute walk from Boscobel House. Charles arrived here early on 4 September 1651 after riding through the night following the battle of Worcester. The priory itself no longer exists but the ruins of its medieval church can still be visited.

4 Moseley Old Hall WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS Where the king used a priest hole

After he left Boscobel, Charles headed for Moseley Old Hall where he stayed for several days. The house still boasts the four-poster bed the king slept in. The famous priest hole where Charles hid when parliamentarian soldiers came to the house is also visible, and the exhibition room has a letter Charles II sent to Jane Lane thanking her for her assistance in helping him escape to France.

5 The Monarch’s Way NATIONWIDE Where Charles made his escape

The c625-mile escape route taken by Charles II can still be followed – it runs from Worcester via Bristol and Yeovil to Shoreham. The path is marked with yellow markers.