Ernest Crofts, R.A. (1847-1911)

Following the defeat of the Royalist army by Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651, Charles, Prince of Wales, (later King Charles II), took flight and was concealed by various Catholic, recusant families. Roundhead troops were sent to look for him, and on Saturday 6 September he narrowly escaped capture through climbing to the top of a tall oak tree and concealing himself in the foliage. He later recounted his adventure to the diarist Samuel Pepys. It was to be another month before he found his way to Shoreham on the South Coast and secured a passage to France.