Cromwell’s victory left man who would be king on the run
CROMWELL’S crucial victory at Worcester was as much down to engineering as it was close quarters combat.
Before the battle he had two pontoon bridges built across the River Severn and River Teme, where they meet, near Powick.
His men crossed the Teme, despite stiff resistance from the Royalists. Charles, watching the fighting from the top of Worcester Cathedral, realised Cromwell’s army was exposed on its left flank and ordered attacks on the Parliamentarians soft spots. He led one of the offensives.
Royalist force charged through Worcester’s Sidbury Gate and, led by the Duke of Hamilton, struck at Perry Wood to the east.
In the brutal exchanges, the Duke had his head blown off and twice Charles had horses he was riding shot from underneath him.
Cromwell sent three brigades over the Severn pontoon bridge to bolster his beleaguered troops in Perry Wood and they forced the Royalists back to Worcester’s walls.
In the city itself, Charles found pockets of his men already laying down their arms. He implored them: “I command you – upon your honour and loyalty – charge!” His pleas had no effect on the demoralised force. At dusk, the Parliamentarians stormed Worcester and Charles was forced to flee with a handful of followers including the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Wilmot and the Earl of Derby.
It is known that after a five mile ride from the city, he stopped at an inn, now known as the Kings Arms, in the village of Ombersley.
It was thought Charles would be much safer if he travelled alone and most of his band of loyal supporters dispersed.
Charles then rode north to Boscobel House in Brewood Forest, Shropshire. The estate was owned by the Gifford family and one of them – Charles Gifford – was among his small party.
Charles arrived near Boscobel at dawn on September 4. To disguise himself, he had his hair cut short and donned leather breeches and a felt hat. He also adopted a yokel’s accent.
He spent the day hiding in woodland known as Spring Coppice while Cromwell’s soldiers searched nearby.
He then took refuge at Boscobel House, and later famously hid in an oak tree to avoid capture.
He later made his way south, passing through Quinton (now in Birmingham) and Bromsgrove before he made it to the south coast and France six weeks later.
Charles was crowned King of England in 1660 upon the restoration of the Monarchy.