Royal Oak Day

The oak tree is a symbol of England, and one tree in Boscobel, Shropshire in particular. During the civil war when King Charles I was captured and executed by an opposition group, his son (later to be King Charles II) escaped capture by hiding in an oak tree in Boscobel House gardens. After the war, Cromwell abolished the monarchy and made himself “Lord Protector”, but after his death King Charles II retook the monarchy in 1660. Royal Oak Day is a celebration for royal supporters, and there is a custom of wearing a sprig of an oak tree on May 29th.

Below is a descendant of the original royal oak.