Fort Royal Park
Fort Royal Park is located within the Cathedral Ward of Worcester, with the entrance being on Wylds Lane.
Towards what was to become the end of the English Civil War, Charles II left Scotland on a journey to return to London. During the break in his journey at Worcester he looked for support from the people of the city. Although unknown at the time, Worcester was to become the turning point in the political history of England and much of the momentous changes of that period are locked into the background, lore and history of Fort Royal Park.
Fort Royal was visited in 1786 by John Adams (then Minister to the Court of St James, i.e ambassador to Great Britain, later the second President of the USA) and Thomas Jefferson (then Minister to France, later the third President of the USA) - he made the following comments:
'The people in the neighbourhood appeared so ignorant and careless at Worcester that I was provoked and asked ' And do Englishmen so soon forget the ground where liberty was fought for? Tell your neighbours and children that this is holy ground, much holier than that on which your churches stand. All England should come in pilgrimage to this hill, once a year'
John Adams (1786)
The view from Fort Royal Park was the significant factor in it being included in the Independent newspapers 'Ten Best Urban Parks in England'
Forthcoming Events
The Liberty Oak
The Liberty Oak was planted on Friday 23rd October in Fort Royal Park in connection with the Civil War.
The inscription on the plaque reads:
'The Liberty Oak'
In April 1786, near this spot, His Excellency John Adams, United States Ambassador to the Court of St James, accompanied by His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Ambassador to the Court of Versailles, referring to the Battle of Worcester passionately exclaimed in front of a growing crowd:
"And do Englishmen so soon forget the ground where liberty was fought for? Tell your neighbours and your children that this is holy ground, much holier than that on which your churches stand. All England should come in pilgrimage to this hill once a year."
This Virginian Oak Tree was planted by Rear Admiral Ronald H. Henderson U.S.N. Defense Attaché to The Embassy of the United States of America. October 23rd 2009
This Oak Tree & Memorial Plaque is the gift of Richardsons Capital L.L.P.
Location
Please use map below to view the park site location
