The story of Charles II hiding in the oak tree is well known but who was the other man with him? Elaine Joyce introduces us to Colonel Careless: a local Staffordshire soldier whose family had lived near Brewood for generations. This is the story of an ordinary man who showed extraordinary courage, loyalty and resourcefulness.

We will hear about his life from the point of view of nine people who knew him, as well as other brave Staffordshire men and women who risked their lives to shelter the fugitive King.

Please note: This is a change to our previously published programme. Elaine has kindly stepped in at short notice to give this talk to our December meeting, having originally been booked for April, as Dorothy Nicholle is suffering from flu. We hope to rebook Dorothy at a later date, to come and talk to us about the engineer Thomas Telford, his impact and legacy.

Photo: A painting by Isaac Fuller, who died in 1672, depicting King Charles II and Colonel William Careless in the Royal Oak.