Oak Apple Day, 29 May, commemorates the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.  However, at St Giles in the Fields, near Tottenham Court Road tube station in the West End of London, in 2025 it was celebrated on Sunday 25 May.  Following a standard 11 a.m. service of holy communion, a wreath of oak (Quercus) leaves which had been placed in front of the altar was taken outside to the tomb of Richard Penderel (1606?-72), who helped Prince Charles (later King Charles II) escape from the Battle of Worcester.  Here a short service was held before the wreath was placed on the tomb.  A few people wore oak leaves for the occasion, and some, mainly children, placed small oak branches on the tomb.

Note from Kathy Wallis, 26 May 2025:  On 29 May in St Neot, Cornwall, they take down last year’s and raise a new oak branch to the top of the church tower.  It’s followed by dancing and singing either in the vicarage grounds or inside the church if wet.  The oak branch is carried down through the village in procession starting around 6 p.m.

Note from Tim Beer, 26 May 2025:  Broadwindsor, Dorset, where Prince Charles reputedly spent a night in 1651 while fleeing from the Battle of Worcester, holds its Oak Apple Celebrations from 29 May – June 2025; see http://www.broadwindsor.org

Note added 30 May 2026:  Broadwindsor  celebrated its second ‘something for everyone’, Oak Apple Festival over the weekend 28-31 May 2026.

Images:  upper, wreath on Richard Penderel’s tomb, 25 May 2025; lower, plaque on the White Lion inn, Broadwindsor, decorated (apparently not with oak leaves) for the village’s Oak Apple Celebrations (taken from the Broadwindsor Oak Apple Day facebook page).

Updated 31 May 2025.