The  engraving  (above) from Worcester City’s collection, originally featured in the 1857 Illustrated London News, shows a jubilant scene in Upton-upon-Severn on 29th  May, one of many held nationwide, celebrating the restoration of the British Monarchy after years of civil war.

We are privileged to have a copy in the Tudor House Museum. 

Oak Apple Day (commemorating the restoration of Charles II on 29 May 1660, also his birthday) was celebrated by Royalists and Parliamentarians alike. We celebrate much more than Charles II and the  Monarchy on Oak Apple Day. We celebrate the joy of an entire nation embracing lasting peace.

The article in the Illustrated London News on May 30, 1857 reported that:

‘Early in the morning, ropes are stretched across the street, upon which are hung garlands, composed of all such flowers as are in bloom, and many are the speculations of the garland makers for weeks before as to whether suitable, and laburnum will be in their beauty by that time. The garlands are also ornamented with coloured ribbons and handkerchiefs, and all the teaspoons which can be collected are hung in the middle. Maypoles, though less common, and large boughs of oak are pressed(?) into service.

‘A benefit club meets on this day and walks in procession (with band and flags) to church; after which they make a progress through the town, with music playing and colours flying, finishing up with a dinner – that bond of amity with Englishmen.

‘All this may be very obstructive to business; but we cannot see smiling faces – proofs of joyous hearts – without wishing that our national habits allowed of a few more such general rejoicings, never minding whether they took their origin from the triumph of Royalist or Republican.’