Charles II, whose
father Charles I had been beheaded by Oliver Cromwell, became a fugitive
whilst running from Cromwell's army after being soundly defeated at the
Battle of Worcester in 1651. He took refuge with a Major Carlis in Boscobel
Woods where the two hid in an oak tree to get a good view of the approaching
army. They remained all day, the King sleeping from time to time, his head
on a cushion on Carlis' lap. Cromwell's troops passed under the tree but did
not see him or his companion. After Cromwell died the good people of England
decided a monarchy was not such a bad idea afterall. Charles II was restored
to the British crown. In celebration, Charles' birthday, May 29, was
designated "Oak Day" in remembrance of his escape from Cromwell in 1651. May
29 remained a public holiday until the 1850's, and late into the 19th
century was celebrated in England with oak leave in the hat and oak boughs
over the door.