Article: 'The Flight of a King'

Dorset Magazine

Reviewed by Stephen Ede-Borrett

I absolutely loved this book and also admire Beardsley’s style of trying not to add details for which there is no contemporary account (there are very few, as he openly admits but all are based on the balance of probability). ..

... The style is gentle and easy-going whilst still being full of fascinating detail; it is far beyond a simple rehash of previous narratives of the same events, something that Beardsley himself says that he wanted to avoid. Beardsley acknowledges the ‘on the ground’ expertise of Gillian Bagwell and of Lucy Griffiths, both of whose knowledge undoubtedly helped to make the book the gem that is.

I would thoroughly recommend this book on every level from history to a ripping good yarn. If this was a story of fiction it would be criticised as “unrealistic’ but it isn’t fiction and Beardsley brings it to life in an evocative and exciting way that will appeal even to many that aren’t primarily interested in the English Civil Wars.

Excellent.

The Pike and Shot Society

Charles II is a well-known figure in history, particularly his decadent court & many royal mistresses. Yet Charles's years in exile are often forgotten. In this book, Martyn R. Beardsley tells the incredible story of Charles's forgotten years before he became king. Easy to read and peppered with interesting (and often incredible) stories, this is a book for everyone interested in the Stuarts.

GoodReads, Constant Reader

As featured on the Royal Reviewer Vlog

Royal Reviewer

Listed in the ‘Reading Corner’

BRITAIN, April 2020

Written with all the narrative storytelling skill of a novelist, this meticulously detailed and informative history is enhanced for academia with the inclusion of two Appendices (Lord Henry Wilmot/The Penderels and Petitioners to the King), and a three page Bibliography. Certain to be an enduringly valued contribution to 17th Century English History, "Charles II and his Escape into Exile: Capture the King" is unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community, college, and university library Historical Royal British Biographies collections.


Read the full review here

Midwest Book Review

Article: 'King's escape is brought to book' as featured by

The Chronicle (Wolverhampton) & Bridgnorth Journal, 30th January 2020 – words by Toby Neal

Article: Story of king’s daring escape and role of ‘royal oak’ told in new book as featured by

Express & Star (online & print) and Shropshire Star (print) - words by Toby Neal

A really interesting and well researched book . There are a lot of places mentioned that I have visited previously so that made it more relatable to me too.

NetGalley, Ann Jones