A talk on Charles II's extraordinary escape from the Battle of Worcester is coming up in Kidderminster.

Howard Robinson will speak at the Kidderminster Historical Society on Thursday, November 21, about the monarch's escape.

The Battle, fought on September 3, 1651, marked the end of the English Civil War.

The parliamentary army, led by Oliver Cromwell, defeated a largely Scottish army supporting the monarch's bid to reclaim the English throne.

Charles' defeat forced him to flee, initially heading north to Boscobel, where he famously hid in an oak tree.

After failing to secure a ship on three occasions, he eventually sailed from Shoreham Harbour to France on October 15.

His journey took 42 days and covered 625 miles, with numerous close calls of being caught or recognised.

Charles spent nine years in exile before being restored to the throne on May 29, 1660, a day now known as Oak Apple Day.

Mr Robinson, a retired biologist, is a keen amateur historian with a special interest in this period.

His connection to Oliver Cromwell, being one of his nine times great-grandsons, adds an intriguing personal touch to the talk.

The talk, titled 'Monarch's Way - Charles II's amazing escape after the Battle of Worcester', will follow the society's annual general meeting (AGM), which both members and visitors can attend.

Meetings start at 2.30pm at The Museum of Carpet.

A small charge applies to visitors, who are welcome.

More information about the society can be found on its website (kdahs.org).