AN EXACT NARRATIVE AND RELATION OF HIS Most Sacred MAJESTY'S Escape from WORCESTER on the third of September, 1651.  
Till his Arrival at PARIS.  
LONDON, Printed in the Year, 1660.   

THE KING'S Escape from Worcester.  
FOrtune had now twice Counterfeited and double-Gilt the Trophies of Rebellion, and its Brazen Trumpet repeated Victory, betrayed or prostituted before at Dunbar, & now ravished at Worcester by numerous overpowering Force, on that Black and White day September the 3d. 1651. in the Dusk of which Fatal Evening, when the ashamed Sun had blushed in his setting, and plunged his Affrighted Head into the depth of Luckless Severn, and the Night ready to Stain and Spot her guilty Sables with loyal Blood, was attiring herself for the Tragedy; The King whose first and conspicuous valorous Essay so exceeded all comparison that it cannot but oblige Fate to preserve that Matchless courage and never again to venture or expose it to any Hazard) compelled to Abandon the City of Worcester, (whose Fidelity and Affection deserves Perpetual Memory,) after he had quitted his Court and Lodgings to which he retired from the Field, having rallied his most Faithful and Considerable Friends, divers English Lords and Gentlemen, who were resolved to accompany him in his ●●ght; was presented by that renowned Earl of Deroy with one Charles Gifford Esquire, (a person of note then of that Country and of much manifested Honour since to the World) to be his Majestic Conductor in this Miraculous, blessed Escape: who forthwith called for one Francis Yates, whom he had brought with him under the Command of Colonel Carelusse in a party that met the KING in his Advance to Worcester to be guide-assistant for the surer finding the by ways for his Majesty's speed and safety.  
In the mean time Colonel Careless (a Gentleman of very Gallant and Noble Endowments) was commanded to sustain the Brunt of the pursuing Enemy, and to keep them off while the KING might be somewhat in his way; which with excellent Prudence and Valour he did to effect, and afterwards fled to his old retract and coverture, passing by Hartlebury Castle, then Garrisond by the Enemy, whom he Courageously Fought with and broke through, and came safe to his Designed shelter.  
Towards three a Clock Thursday morning the 4 of September, the KING in company with the said Earl of Derby, Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl of Cleaveland, Duke of Buckingham, my Lord Wilmot, and others to the number of Fourscor came to the place called Whiteladies in the Parish of Tong in the confines of Stafford and Shropshire, being 25 miles distant or there abouts from Worcester, which space of ground he had rid that night.  
This Whiteladies was a house belonging to one Fitz Harbert, where one George Pendril (the youngest Brother of the five who were all severally instrumental in the conductment and preservation of his Majesty) hearing somebody knocking at the Gate so early, opening the Window he espied there the aforesaid Francis Yates, who was his brother in Law, with Mr. Gifford; to whom he presently opened the door, and enquired of his brother Yates what News from Worcester, who told him that the KING was Defeated and in Pursuit, and therefore bid him to make haste and put on his . But before he could make himself ready, the King with most of his Lords had entered the house, and came into the Hall, where after a short consultation held among them, the Earl of Derby called for William Pendrill the Eldest brother, (you must know that my Lord of Derby had taken this place for a subterfuge, after the defeat given him by Colonel Lilburn near Wigan in Lanchashire, and was acquainted there, and by them conveyed to Worcester to the King; as also several other Gentlemen before had used this for their Sanctuary) who being come, George was sent to Tongue to one Robert Beard an Honest Subject to inquire of him whether there were any scattered parties of the Kings thereabouts, or any of the Enemies appearing; who brought word that the Coast was yet clear and no parties at all to be seen. In his return he met with his Brother Richard; for now those few Inhabitants that Lived there, were awakened with the Noise, and their own ill boding thoughts and fears of the success at Worcester.  
Richard was no sooner come in, but Squire Gifford called for him, and bade him make haste, and bring with him his best , which were a Jump and Breeches of Green course Cloth and a Do skin Leather Doublet, the Hat was borrowed of Humphrey Pendrill the Miller being an old Grey one that turned up its Brims— the Shirt (which in that Country Language they called an Hurden or Noggen Shirt, of Cloth that is made of the coursest of the Hemp,) was had of one Edward Martin, George Pendrills Bond, and William Creswells Shoe; which the King having presently unstripped himself of his own , did nimbly don. His Buff Coat, and Linen Doublet, and a Grey pair of Breeches which he wore before, he gave into these Brother's Hands, who forthwith buried them under ground, where they lay five weeks, before they durst take them up again. The Jewels off his Arm he gave to one of the Lords then departing.  
Then Richard came with a pair of Shears and rounded the King's hair, which my Lord Wilmot having cut before with a Knife, had untowardly notched; and the King was pleased to take notice of Richard's good barbing, so as to prefer his work before my Lord Wilmots, and gave him the praise of it; and now his Majesty was Alamode the Woodman.  
Hereupon William Pendril was brought to the King by the Earl of Derby, and the care and preservation of his most sacred Majesty committed to his charge and the rest of the Brothers, (any Lord would have stayed too but there was no undertaking security for them both) and presently the Lords took their heavy leave and departed, every one shifting for himself. Only my Lord Wilmot was conveyed by John Pendrill to Mr. Thomas Whitgreaves, but he would have left him at several other places which my Lord did in no wise approve of; first at one John Shores of Hungerhill, thence to John Climpson, thence to one Reynolds of the Hide, so to John Humspaiches, where passing by Coven, they had notice of Troop of Horse in the Town, and seeing some men coming behind them, (which proved to be Friends, though my Lord suspected the Country rise upon them) they betook themselves into a dry pit, where they stayed till Evening, and then arrived safely at Mr. Whitgreaves.  
The Company being all departed, a Wood-bill was brought, and put into the King's hand, and he went out with Richard into the adjoining Woods. William departed home and Humphrey and George went out to scout, and lay hover in the Woods to hear or see if any one approached that way. But the King had not been an hour in the Wood, before a Troop of Horse of the Enemies came to Whitladies, and enquired, if some of the King's Horse and himself passed not that way, and if they could give any Informatiou of him; to which the Townes-folks answered, that about 3 hours ago there was a Party of Horse came thither, and they supposed the King with them, but they made no stay in the Village, but presently departed; they were hereupon so eager in the pursuit that after enquiring which way they took, they followed the rout, and made no further search there. The King strait heard this by the two aforesaid Scouts, who straggled for Intelligence into the Town.  
All this day, being Thursday, the King continued in the Wood upon the ground, Richard Pendrill being constantly with him, and sometimes the other two Brothers: It proved to be a very rainy day, and the King was wet with showers, thereupon Francis Yates his wife came into the Wood and brought the King a Blanket, which she threw over his shoulders, to keep him dry; she also brought him his first meat he eat there, viz. a Mess of Milk, Eggs and Sugar in a black earthen Cup, which the King guessed to be Milk and Apples, and said, he loved it very well; after he had drank some of it and eaten part in a pewter Spoon, he gave the rest to George and bid him eat; for it was very good. There was nothing of moment passed this day in Court but only the King exchanged his Wood bill for Francis Yates Broom ●ook, which was something lighter.  
They had much ado all that day to teach and fashion his Majesty to their Country guise, and to order his steps and strait body to a lobbing, jobsons' gate, and were forced every foot to mind him of it; for the Language, his Majesty's most gracious converse with his People in his Journey to, and at Worcester, had rendered it very easy and very tuneable to him.  
About 5. a clock that Evening, the King with the retinue of Richard, Humphrey, George, and Francis Yates left the wood, and betook himself to Richard's house, where he went under the name of William Jones, a woodcutter newly come thither for work; against his coming, the good wife for his entertainment at supper, was preparing a Fricasse of Bacon and Eggs, and while that was doing, the King held on his knee their daughter Nan: after he had eat a little, he asked Richard to eat, who replied, yea Sir I will, whereto His Majesty answered, you have a better stomach than I, for you have eaten five times to day already. After supper ended, the King according to his resolution to pass into Wales, prepared (when it should be dusky) to departed; before he went, Jane Pendryll the Mother of the five brethren, came to see the King, before whom she blessed God that had so honoured her Children in making them the instruments (as she hoped) of his Majesty's safeguard and deliverance. Here Francis Yates offered the King thirty shillings in silver, the King accepted ten, and bade him put the other up. Humphrey would have gone before to see and view about, but the King would not let him; it being now near night, they took their leave of the King upon their knees, beseeching God to guide and bless him.  
So the King and Richard only, departed to go to one Mr. Francis Wolf of Madeley, there to take passage into Wales. On the way they were to pass by a Mill, at a place called Evelin, and going over ('twas about nine a clock at night) the bridge of the said Mill, the Milner steps forth, and demanded, who goes there? having a quarterstaffe or a good cudgel in his hand, to which Richard being foremost thought it not safe to reply, but the water being shallow, leapt of the bridge into it, and the King did the like, following Richard by the noise and rattling of his leather breeches; the Milner being glad he was so rid of them; for (as it afterwards appeared) here was some of the King's scattered Soldiers in his Mill, and he supposed the other to be Parliamentarians that were upon the scent for his distressed guests.  
Being come to Madely to the said Master Francis Wolves late that Night, they understood there was no passage over the water into Wales, and that it was very dangerous to abide there, the Country being every where about laid with soldiers, nor durst he entertain them into his House, but shown them a Hay-mow where they might lodge; and there the King and Richard continued all that night, and the next day being Friday, and that night with the conveyance of a Maid of this Master Wolves, who brought the King two miles on his way, they retreated back again to Richard's House: Mr. Wolf lent the King some small sum of money.  
This design being crossed, Saturday morning without any stay at Richards, the King and he went to a House of Mistress giffard's, called Boscabell, where William Bendril and his wife dwelled as Housekeepers for the said Giffard, who received him joyfully; but the King's feet were so blistered with travelling in such course and stiff accoutrements as he wore on his feet, and lying in them, that he was scarce able to stand or go, which Williams wife perceiving, she stripped off his stockings and cut the blisters, and washed his feet, and gave the King some Ease.  
The same time or near thereupon, that Noble Colonel Careless, who as is said before made good the King's Rear at Worcester, and had fought his way through, after he had been two days at one David Jones living in the Heath in Tong-Parish, and there by him secured, (for this Col. had lain 3 quarters of a year before obscured in this Country, when he had been narrowly every where searched after was brought by one Elizabeth Burgess to this same House of Poscabell; and there His Majesty and he met, but the Col. was so overjoyed with the sight of the King his Master in such sure and safe hands, that he could not refrain weeping, and the king was himself something moved with the same passion.  
After a short conference and but inchoated council of the King's probablest means of escape, it was resolved by them to betake themselves to the wood again; and accordingly about nine of the clock that Saturday morning the 6. of September they went into the wood, and Col. Careless brought and led the King to that so much celebrated Oak, where before he had himself been lodged: (This Tree is not hollow but of a sound firm Trunk, only about the middle of the body of it there is a hole in it about the bigness of a man's head, from whence it absurdly and abusively (in respect of its deserved perpetual growth to outlast Time itself) is called Hollow; and by the help of William Pendrils wood-ladder they got up into the boughs and branches of the Tree, which were very thick and well spread, and full of leaves; so that it was impossible for any one to discern through them.  
When they were both up, William gave them up two pillows to lie upon between the thickest of the branches, and the King being overwearied with his travel and sore journey, began to be very sleepy; The Col. to accommodate him the best he could, desired his Majesty to lay his head in his lap, and rest the other parts of his body upon the pillow, which the King did; and after he had taken a good nap, (William, and his wife Joan still peaking up and down, and she commonly near the place with a nutthook in her hand gathering of sticks) awaked very hungry, and wished he had something to eat: whereupon the Col. plucked out of his pocket a good lunchion of bread and chief, which Joan Pendrill had given him for porvant for that day, and had wrapped it up in a clean linen cloth, of which the King fed very hearty, and was well pleased with the service, and commended highly his good cheer; and some other small relief he had, which was put up into the Tree with a long hook-stick.  
In the mean while Richard Pendrill (the first Esquire) was sent to Woller-Hampton some three miles thence being a Market Town, to buy Wine and Biscuit, and some other necessary refreshments for the King; and withal to speak with one Mr. George Manwaring, a person of known Integrity and Loyalty from Col. Careless, with some instructions about the King's removal, though not expressly the King, but one of that ruined Party: in effect it was to know of him, whether he knew of any sure privacy for 2 such persons? to which he answered he had not himself, but would inquire if a friend of his, one Master Whitgreave of Moseley formerly and again to be spoken of here) could do it. (So that we may see what a Loyal honest combination and secrecy there was between all of these persons;) and then Richard returned with his Wine, etc. to the King; who towards the Evening came down by the same ladder from the Tree, and was brought into the Garden of Boscable House, where he sat in the Bower of it, and drank part of the Wine till toward night.  
Neither was Humphrey Pendrill the Miller un-employed all this while, but was sent to get intelligence how things went. And the easilier to come by it, he was sent to a Captain of the Rump one Broadways, formerly a Heelmaker, under pretence of carrying him twenty shillings for the pay of a man in the new raised Militia of their County for their Mistress. While he was there in came a Colonel of the Rebels, and asked for Captain Broadway, on purpose to know what further enquiry had been made at Whiteladies for the King, relating to Broadway the Story of it; to which he replied he knew nothing of it further than rumour, but that there was one of that place in the House that could give him an account of it. So Humphrey was called, and several questions put to him, which he evaded, but confessed that the King had been there as was supposed, but there was no likelihood for him to stay there, for there was three Families in the House, and all at difference with one another. The Col. told him there was a thousand pound offered to any that would take or discover him, and that they doubted not, but within a day or two to have him delivered into their hands.  
These tidings Humphrey brought with him, and omitted not to tell his Majesty of the price his Rebels had set on him; at the telling of which, the King looked something dismayed, as having trusted his Life into the hands of such poor Men, whom such a sum as that, (though both detestable, and of inconsiderable value to the Purchase) might pervert from their Allegiance and Fidelity: which made Humphrey to be exceedingly troubled for his rashness, while Colonel Careless assured the King, if it were 100000 l. it were to no more purpose, and that he would engage his Soul for their truth; which Humphrey also with many urgent asseverations did second.  
It was late, and the King was very hungry, and had a mind to a Loin of Mutton, and being come into the House, asked William if he could not get him such a Joint, to which he replied, that he had it not of his own, but he would make bold at that time, and for that occasion, with one of his Master's Sheep in the Coat; which instantly he did, and brought it into the ground Cellar; where the Colonel not having the patience to stay while he fetched a Knife, stabbed it with his Dagger; and when William came down they hung it upon a door, and fleyd it, and brought up a hind Quarter to the King, who presently fell a chopping of the Line to pieces, or (as they called it then) into Scotch Collops, which the Colonel clapped into the Pan while the King held it and fried it.  
This passage yielded the King a pleasant jocular discourse, after his Arrival in France, when it amounted to a Question, (a very difficult case) who was Cook, and who was Scullion? and for solution of the doubt, when it could not be decided by the Lords then present, was referred to the judgement of his Majesty's Master Cook, who affirmed that the king was hîc & nunc, both of them.  
When this nimble Collation was ended, it was time for the King to betake himself to his rest, and his Chamberlain William brought him to his appartiment. It was a place made between two Walls, on purpose for secrecy, contrived at the building of the House; thither they let the King down, where be slept very incommodiously with little or no rest, for that the place was not long enough for him, and therefore the next night they laid him a sorry Bed upon the Staircase, as they used to do for strange Woodcutters, that the meanness of his lodging might secure him from suspicion.  
My Lord Wilmot as is said before, was all this while safe at Master Whitgreaves, only his care of the King made him full of trouble. His hiding place was so sure a one, that at his first coming to it, he wished so he gave 20000 l. that the King were either as secure, or there with him; he therefore dispatched away John Pendrill (who had attended him all along) to the White Ladies, to inquire for the King, and to give him notice of the conveniency that was at Master Whitegreaves; but when he came thither, which was on Friday, the King was then gone to Madeley, to Master Wolves. The next day he was sent again, and by Richard's Wife directed to Boscabel, where he delivered the King the Message, which the King assented unto, and resolved to remove thither.  
Monday night, September 8. at eleven at night, was the time appointed for the King's progress to Moseley, but a Horse was hard to be found. John was ordered to borrow one of one Stanton of Hatton, but he had lent his out before; when the Colonel remembered that Humphrey the Miller had one, and he thereupon was called and desired to lend him for the King's Service; it was a kind of War-horse, that had carried many a load of provision, Meal and such like, but now he put upon him a Bridle and Saddle, that had outworn its Tree and Irons, and at the time prefixed brought him to the Gate.  
As soon as the King had notice of it, out he came, and would have had none but Colonel Careless, and John to have gone along with him, but they told him, it was very dangerous to venture himself with so few, they therefore entreated his Majesty that he would give them leave to go with him, which at their importunity he granted.  
Having mounted the King, Colonel Careless and the six brethren guarding him, two before, and two behind, and one of each side, armed with Clubs and Bills (Humphrey, leading his Horse by the Bridle) they began their journey. It was five miles from Boscabel to Mosely Master Whitgreaves, and the way in some places miry, where the Horse blundering, caused the King to suspect falling, and bid Humphrey have a care, to which he answered, that that now fortunate Horse had carried many a heavier weight his time, six strike of Corn (which measure the King understood not) but now had a better price on his back, the price of three Kingdoms, and therefore would not now shame his Master.  
Their travel was soon and safe ended, and the King brought the back way to a stile that led to the House, Humphries led the Horse into a Ditch, and the King alighted off upon the stile; but forgetting that most of his Guard were to return home, was gone five or six steps onward, without taking leave of them, but recalling himself returned back and said, I am troubled that I forget to take my leave of my friends; but if ever I come into England by fair or foul means, I will remember you, and let me see you when ever it shall so please God; so they all kissed his Hand and departed, but the Colonel, John, and Francis Yates, who guided the King to the House.  
There Master Thomas Whitgreave received the King dutifully and affectionately, and brought him in to my Lord Wilmot, who with infinite gladness, kneeled down and embraced his knees. After a little conference, his Majesty was had to his lodging, and the intriques' of it shown him; where after the King had rested himself that night, they entered into consultation about the escape, which had been projected by my Lord Wilmot before.  
Francis Yates departed, but John stayed two or three days longer with the King, while he went away. On Wednesday noon a Troop of the Rebel's horse passed through the Town and made no stay, which John told not the King of till after noon, because (as he then said) he would not spoil his Majesty's Dinner.  
Now the King prepared and fitted himself for his journey, and one Mr. Huddlestone and Master Whitgreave accommodated him with Boots, Cloak, Money, etc. and john Pendril was sent to Mistress Lane about it, who sent him back again with a parcel of leaves of Walnuts, boiled in Spring Water, to colour his Majesty's hands, and alter the hue and whiteness of his Skin in those places that were most obvious to the eye, and by him gave notice to the King, what time she should be ready.  
On Thursday night the eleventh of September, Colonel Lane came with his Sister to a field adjoining, and there they put the King before her. john having the honour to hold the King's Stirrup while he mounted, and presently they two set forward, (having taken directions to know the Country) and my Lady Lane having several recommendations to the allies, friends and acquaintance of her family, that lay in their intended road, if any untoward occasion should put them to the trial.  
The several adventures which that Heroical Lady passed and overcame, in the management of that grand affair of his Majesty's life, will become and befit a worthier Paper, and a Nobler Pen, and therefore let the blessed and thrice happy event of that her fortunate Loyalty, restrain a curious enquiry of the means, which probably may be some arcana imperii, secrecy of State now, as well as then of the King, not yet fit to be divulged. Miracles indeed of this benign and propitious influence are very rare (God hath not dealt so with the Nations round about us) Especially where Humane Coadjument, and that so signally (in the tacitenesse of so many persons concerned) hath been instrumental; and therefore why may we not (as we fearfully behold Comets) with delight look upon the serene smiles of Heaven (in His Majesty's preservation) and the Rays of its Goodness diffused into the Breasts of those Loyal Persons his Guardians, (for whose Honour more especially this Paper officiously obtrudes itself) with such weak eyes as we now see with, before we can have the benefit of a prospective (the full Relation)  
Let it therefore suffice and content us, that it pleased the Divine Wisdom and Goodness to protect and defend our most gracious Sovereign in all dangers and places and conditions whatsoever, in that his encumbered passage through his own rightful Dominions, and without the least umbrage of suspicion, to convey him out of the hands of his bloodthirsty Traitorous Enemies, who thought themselves sure of Him, That so killing the Heir, the Inheritance might be theirs.  
He remained or rather Pilgrimaged from one Sanctuary to another in England near the space of five weeks, and like other Princes, though not on the same Account was present incognito while such time as a Convenience of Passage could be found for him in Sussex, where after he had Embarked Himself in a Bark out of a Creek, He was put back a-again by contrary weather into the same place, being disguised in a Sailor's ; but the wind veering about more favourably about the end of October, 1651. Landed at Deep in Normandy, from whence an Express was sent to her Majesty of England, to acquaint her of His safe Arrival, which was presently communicated to the French Court, who appearingly with great Manifestation of Joy welcomed the News: But His Majesty's most Affectionate Uncle, the late Duke of Orleans did with entire joy, As also sundry of the most eminent French Nobility, Congratulate His Deliverance, which they testified by a most Splendid and Honourable Cavalcade at His Reception and Entry into PARIS.  
FINIS.