Iverley, Kidderminster, DY10 3PL

Iverley is part of the parish of Kinver, east of Caunsall, Whittington, and Dunsley, and it extends beyond the boundary towards Hagley, Pedmore, and Oldswinford. The area is historically significant for its role in the escape of Charles II. After the final defeat of the Royalists in the English Civil War against Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651, the future Charles II of England was forced to flee England. With the support of a network of Royalist gentry, Charles first attempted to escape into Wales, then to Bristol disguised as a servant, then to the south coast at Charmouth. Finally, he rode east to Shoreham from where he sailed for France on 15 October 1651. During the six‑week flight, he passed through numerous English counties, and at one point was forced to hide in an oak tree on the grounds of a house that was being searched by Parliamentarian soldiers. A £1000 reward had been offered for information leading to Charles’s capture.