Ancient ‘Oak Apple Day’ ceremony to take place in Northampton this May

Events
Written By Lynne Dickens

An ancient ceremony of thanksgiving will take place at All Saints’ Church on Monday, 27 May to commemorate Northampton’s Oak Apple Day.

The A Company LNR Corps of Drums parading near All Saints' Church

This annual ceremony, organised by Northampton Town Council and the Lord Lieutenancy is unique to Northampton and remembers the generosity of King Charles II, who donated over 1,000 tons of timber to reconstruct All Saints’ Church and halved the town’s taxes for seven years following the 1675 Great Fire of Northampton.

The public ceremony will begin at 11.30am, when a Civic Procession enters All Saints’ Church for a thanksgiving service led by Father Oliver Coss. Then at midday, the A Company LNR Corps of Drums will parade to All Saints’ Church via George Row.

The mayor placing the wreath of oak leaves on the statue of Charles II

The highlight of this traditional ceremony comes just after midday, when the mayor places a wreath of oak leaves on the statue of Charles II, standing high on the church’s portico. A salute to the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff is given from this lofty position, followed a prayer of thanksgiving, the playing of the National Anthem, a toast to the mayor and a final blessing.

The unusual name of the ceremony is derived from the restoration of the monarchy, when Charles II came to the throne on 29 May 1660. The future King famously hid in an Oak tree, when he sought refuge from his roundhead enemies, following the 1651 battle of Worcester.

James Compton the then Earl of Northampton, spoke to Charles II and the bill to rebuild Northampton was passed, with Crown Commissioners sent to oversee the works and ensure that the benefactor of a new Northampton was never forgotten.

Once the new century had begun, the portico at All Saints’ was completed, and the Mayor John Agutter sought public subscription for the statue of King Charles II, which was wreathed on Oak Apple Day.

Why not go along as a piece of history is recreated?

Lynne Dickens

Spot On Creative is a Northants-based creative team who have the hard-earned skills, expertise and industry knowledge that only come from having worked for years in advertising. It’s all managed by Lynne Dickens who has over 20 years’ experience in marketing communications, and ten years in website design and build, and creative team project management.

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