It was today, 25th May back in 1660, when King Charles II set foot on English soil for the first time after the Civil War, when he landed at Dover.
It seems like the channel crossing was most acceptable to the King as the details were recorded by the young Clerk of the Acts of the King’s Ships, who had organised the collection of the King and his family from Holland.
This young clerk – he was only aged 27 at the time – had adapted the ship on the outward journey: under Cromwell, it had been called the Naseby, but was now changed to the Royal Charles. The figurehead, representing Cromwell was replaced by a less controversial Neptune and the austere interior was smartened up with elegant draperies and furnishings.
Following the 2 days of feasting and drinking on board whilst the journey was made, the ship anchored off Dover. The clerk was one of the first to leave the ship - with the King’s dog – both of whom were happy to be back on terra firma once more! Oh yes – the name of the clerk was Samuel Pepys.
It seems like the channel crossing was most acceptable to the King as the details were recorded by the young Clerk of the Acts of the King’s Ships, who had organised the collection of the King and his family from Holland.
This young clerk – he was only aged 27 at the time – had adapted the ship on the outward journey: under Cromwell, it had been called the Naseby, but was now changed to the Royal Charles. The figurehead, representing Cromwell was replaced by a less controversial Neptune and the austere interior was smartened up with elegant draperies and furnishings.
Following the 2 days of feasting and drinking on board whilst the journey was made, the ship anchored off Dover. The clerk was one of the first to leave the ship - with the King’s dog – both of whom were happy to be back on terra firma once more! Oh yes – the name of the clerk was Samuel Pepys.