Northampton Oak Apple Day

Oak Apple Day on 29th May is the date of celebrations marking the restoration of the monarchy in 1662 under Charles II and Northampton is one of the few locations around the country in which such commemorations still happen annually today. There is a special thanksgiving church service at All Saints followed by the Mayor placing a wreath of oak leaves upon the statue of Charles, which stands proudly high on the portico above the church entrance. The civic procession to the church features all the dignitaries in their regalia and usually includes the High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant as well as the Mayoral party, while the service itself includes prayers, anthems and well-known rousing hymns, and a contemporary account of Charles’ triumphant entry into London by diarist John Evelyn. 29th May was also Charles II’s birthday and for many years the date was enthusiastically celebrated throughout England; Northampton had been a parliamentary town in the Civil War and Interregnum period but was magnanimously reconciled by the monarch upon his return; concessions were granted by the King, who also contributed to the rebuilding of the church after a disastrous fire, and the residents have continued to remember his generosity to the town through the centuries.

Helpful Hints

The date varies slightly and is sometimes on 29th itself, and sometimes on a near Sunday or Bank Holiday depending on the availability of the participants. In 2024 it should be on Monday 27th May (Spring Bank Holiday) at 11.30 am.

The service lasts around an hour-and-a-half to two hours including the wreathing ceremony. All are welcome.

Click here for the church website: http://www.allsaintsnorthampton.co.uk

and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsnorthampton

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