Boscobel House & The Royal Oak (Staffordshire)

Enjoy a family day out at Boscobel House & The Royal Oak; the hiding place of Charles II.

Summary 16th century buildings Gift shop Gardens

Food and Drinks Tea Room Picnic area

Introduction

Enjoy a family day out at Boscobel House & The Royal Oak - the hunting lodge that sheltered Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Fully restored, this beautiful timber framed property is set in stunning gardens. There’s plenty to explore including the dairy, farmyard and smithy.

Price:

Adult: £5.20

Children: £2.60

Concession: £4.40

History to the present day

Boscobel House was built in about 1632, when John Giffard of White Ladies converted a timber-framed farmhouse into a hunting lodge. The Giffard family were Roman Catholics, at a time when the religion suffered persecution. Tradition holds that the true purpose of Boscobel was to serve as a secret place for the shelter of Catholics in times of need.

The house was, however, destined for greater fame. Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649, his eldest son made a brave though misguided attempt to regain the throne. In 1651 his hopes were crushed at Worcester in the final conflict of the Civil War. Young Charles was forced to flee for his life.

Initially the future King Charles II set out to cross the River Severn into Wales, but found his way blocked by Cromwell's patrols. He sought refuge instead at Boscobel, hiding first in a tree which is now known as The Royal Oak and then spending the night in a priest- hole in the house's attic. He then travelled on in disguise via other safe houses before escaping to France.

Boscobel later became a much visited place, although it remained a working farm. Visitors can also see the dairy, farmyard, smithy, gardens, and a descendant of The Royal Oak.

White Ladies Priory, another of Charles's hiding places, is nearby.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Boscobel House & The Royal Oak, Staffordshire, , United Kingdom

Address: Boscobel House & The Royal Oak, Brewood, Bishop's Wood ST19 9AR
Staffordshire

Road Access: On minor road from A41 to A5, 8 miles NW of Wolverhampton. 5 mins drive from M54 J3.

Train Access: Cosford 3 miles.

Bus Access: A2Z Travel 880 to Bishops Wood, then 1⁄2 mile walk.

Opening Times:

2009 to March 2010
1 Apr-31 Oct 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Bank Hols.
Last entry 1 hour before closing
 

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.