Richard Penderel facts for kids
Richard Penderel (born around 1606 – died 1672) was an English farmer who was a Roman Catholic. He was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War. Richard is famous for helping King Charles II escape after a big battle in 1651.
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Early Life and Family
Richard Penderel was born in a place called Tong, Shropshire. His family were farmers and were also Catholic. They lived at a farm called Hobbal Grange. Their landlord, Basil Fitzherbert, who owned Boscobel House, was also Catholic. Boscobel House was only about 3 miles away.
By 1651, Richard was in charge of the family farm. His family was very important in helping King Charles II. His brothers, John and George, worked at a nearby place called White Ladies Priory. Another brother, Humphrey, ran a mill. His oldest brother, William, was the caretaker at Boscobel House.
Helping the King Escape
After the Battle of Worcester in September 1651, King Charles II was in great danger. He had lost the battle and was being hunted by his enemies, the soldiers of Oliver Cromwell.
The First Hiding Place
On September 4, 1651, Richard Penderel was called to meet King Charles II at White Ladies Priory. The King had just escaped from the battle. Richard was given the important job of protecting the King.
Richard quickly disguised Charles. He gave the King a rough haircut and some of his own simple clothes. He made Charles look like a woodman and called him "William Jones." Richard then hid the King in a thick group of trees while it rained all day. That evening, he took Charles to his farmhouse.
A Dangerous Journey
The next plan was to get the King to Wales. They tried to find shelter at a place called Madeley, Shropshire. But they found that Cromwell's soldiers were guarding the river crossings. So, they had to go back to Hobbal Grange.
From there, King Charles went to Boscobel House. Richard's brother, William Penderel, was the caretaker there. William helped the King hide in a large oak tree, which became known as the Royal Oak. The King hid in the tree with another Royalist, Colonel William Careless. William Penderel helped keep the searching soldiers away from the tree.
More Help from the Family
Later, Richard's brother John met a priest named Father John Huddleston. The priest suggested the King should go to Moseley Old Hall. Father Huddleston helped clean and bandage the King's sore feet there.
On September 9, Cromwell's soldiers came to Moseley Hall. The King and Father Huddleston had to hide in a secret room called a priest hole. The owner of the house, Thomas Whitgrave, managed to convince the soldiers to leave without searching the house.
On September 12, all five Penderel brothers helped the King again. They formed a bodyguard for him as he traveled overnight from Boscobel House to Moseley Hall. The King rode on Humphrey's old mill horse.
Life After the Escape
During the time when England was ruled by Parliament (the "Commonwealth"), Richard Penderel was suspected of helping the King. But he kept a low profile and was not bothered.
When King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660 (this was called the "Restoration"), Richard Penderel was rewarded for his bravery. He was welcomed at the King's court in June 1660. In April 1662, he received £200 and a yearly payment of £100 for himself and his family forever.
Richard Penderel died in London in 1672 from a fever. He was buried at St Giles-in-the-Fields. His brothers also received money and special protection from the King.
Images for kids
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Isaac Fuller, King Charles II at Whiteladies, c.1660
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