Charles II's Escape from Worcester

Step into the captivating history of royal escape and survival with Charles II's Escape from Worcester: A Collection of Narratives Assembled by Samuel Pepys. This volume chronicles the dramatic six-week flight of Charles II following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Guided by Samuel Pepys's meticulous documentation and supplemented by firsthand accounts from the King's allies, the narratives weave together a tale of courage, wit, and resilience against overwhelming odds. From harrowing close calls with pursuers to ingenious disguises and daring escapes, the collection vividly brings to life one of the most romantic episodes in English history.

At the heart of this book is Pepys's unparalleled skill as both historian and storyteller, capturing Charles II’s perilous journey through a combination of the King's dictated accounts and the testimonies of loyal supporters. Enriched with Pepys's precision and flair for narrative, the stories highlight the ingenuity and loyalty of those who sheltered the King and his remarkable ability to adapt and survive. A masterpiece of historical storytelling, this collection offers readers a window into the trials and triumphs of a monarch in exile and the enduring spirit of those who risked everything to aid him.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1966.