Page:A Book of Escapes and Hurried Journeys.pdf/65

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

THE ESCAPE OF KING CHARLES AFTER WORCESTER

I On Wednesday, the third day of September 1651, the army which had marched from Scotland to set King Charles upon the throne was by Cromwell at Worcester. The utterly defeated battle began at one o'clock and lasted during the autumn afternoon, the main action being fought east of the city. of the chief Royalists, like the Duke fell on the field. When the issue was clear, Charles, accompanied by the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Derby, Lord Shrewsbury, Lord Wilmot, and others, entered the city by Sidbury Gate. There an ammunition wagon had been overturned, and this gave check for a moment to the pursuit. In Friars Steet the King threw off his armour and was given a fresh horse, and the whole party galloped through the streets and out at St. Martin's Gate. Charles was

59