Wirecestre 1086 ‘Roman town of the Weogora (‘winding river’) tribe’

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Oakapple Day 2010

Marking 350 years of the Restored Monarchy

A celebration of the British Monarchy since the Restoration in 1660.
Saturday 29th May 2010
09:30 - 16:30
Guildhall, High Street,
Worcester

Including "The Kings Escape", "The Restoration" and "The wildlife linked with the mighty Oak Tree".

 
Exhibitors include RSPB, Pendrill Family History Society, Moseley Old Hall, Monarch's Way Association, The Royal Society, Berrow's Journal and many more.

Activities include children's crafts, trails and a chance to meet Charles II

Talks in the Council Chamber - "King Charles II: My Ancestors Part in His Restoration" - Roger Pendrill, "From Roundhead to Royal Army" - Mr Malcolm Atkin
As part of this celebration, Discover History are presenting Guided City walks about the Royal visitors and the English Civil Wars (£5.00 per person)

For further details call: 07949 222137,

email: discoverhistory@aol.com

or ask a soldier on the day!

Free Entry to the Exhibition

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'...The morning was ushered in by the ringing of church bells, the erecting of garlands, and by a very agreeable display of oak boughs in all parts of the city. About 11 o'clock, the Right Worshipful Mayor, the Alderman and the rest of the Corporation, together with a great number of gentlemen, went in grand possession to our Cathedral church and heard divine service, after which elegant dinners were provided by several companies.

At night, the Mayor and Corporation with upwards of 300 citizens, accompanied by several persons of distinction, met at the Town Hall (the Guildhall) which was finely illuminated and which has lately been most elegantly beautified, where many loyal healths were drunk." 

Worcester Journal of 1753

People now dress as the Worcester Militia and meet the Mayor of Worcester at the Guildhall which is decked in oak leaves. Someone dressed as Charles II thanks the people of Worcester for their role in the war. The group then go to the Comanderie where they meet people throughout the day. If anyone is found not to be wearing a sprig of oak they
can be stung by nettles!

‘At Upton-upon-Severn oak-apple-day is anxiously looked forward to by old and young. Early in the morning ropes are stretched across the street, upon which are hung garlands, composed of all such flowers as are in bloom. The garlands are also ornamented with coloured ribbons and handkerchiefs, and all the tea-spoons which can be collected are hung in the middle. Maypoles, though less common, and large boughs of oak are pressed into service. Many are the penn’orths of gold-leaf sold the day before, with which to guild the oak-apple for the button hole. A benefit club meets on this day, and walks in procession with band and flags to church, after which they make a progress through the town, with music playing and colours flying, finishing up with a dinner’. Illustrated London News, May 30th, 1857, p.515

In some parts of this county a garland, similar to the May-day one, is taken about on the 29th of May

N. & Q. 1st S. voLx. p. 92.