A picture of the times of the Commonwealth is afforded by the novel, “Woodstock.” After the battle of Worcester, King Charles II went into hiding, and under many disguises to escape the vigilance of Cromwell. This story deals with one such episode.
During a service in the church at Woodstock, the preacher is thrust aside by a rough, soldierly fellow, Tomkins, a servant of the State Commissioners, who announces the victory of the Roundhead forces at Worcester, and the sequestration of the royal lodge of Woodstock by Cromwell. Sir Henry Lee, the Keeper of this park for the Crown, has already been advised of this movement and prepares to submit, though bemoaning the times as a staunch Royalist. Joliffe, his servant, plans to shelter Sir Henry and his daughter Alice Lee in his own cottage. When they arrive there, they meet Colonel Everard, nephew to the baronet, and suitor for Alice's hand, who offers them his own and his father's protection. But Everard is a Roundhead, and therefore in disfavor with Lee, who will accept no favors from him. Undaunted, however, Everard determines to appeal to Cromwell to reinstate his uncle at Woodstock …
