The Latest News & Views from Rose Calendars

Interesting information and news about relevant dates and events, with facts relating to topical or seasonal themes. We explore the sources of historic events, festivals and celebrations from around the world and look at why these take place and where they originate.


The Day that Charles II Hid in an Oak Tree

On 6 September 1651, the future king of England, 21-year-old Charles Stuart, was the most wanted man in the country. The young prince was being hunted down by Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentarian army. Fearing for his life, Charles concealed himself in the branches of an oak tree and this moment will forever be remembered as one of the most dramatic and daring escapes in British history, and led to the oak tree becoming a symbol of the resilience and strength of the future king.

What is the Legend Behind Saint Swithin’s Day?

It’s a well-known fact that British people like to talk about the weather. And this is never more true than on Saint Swithin’s Day, which occurs on 15 July. According to folklore, whatever the weather is like on this day – whether it’s rain or sunshine – it will continue for the next 40 days and 40 nights. But where did this tradition come from and who was Saint Swithin?