Daniel Williams to attend Southwell's Bramley Apple Festival as King Charles I
King Charles I is to make a return to Southwell on Saturday — nearly 400 years after his arrest in the town.
Re-enactor Daniel Williams, of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, will bring the character to life for the Bramley Apple Festival.
The 40-year-old will start his visit tomorrow at the Saracen’s Head, where King Charles spent his last night of freedom during the Civil War before surrendering to Scottish troops at Kelham to end the war.
He will also make an appearance at Southwell Minster the following day as part of the annual festival.
Mr Williams said he enjoyed recreating the king’s life. He developed an interest in the monarch after reading books about him and hopes that by appearing at the festival as King Charles I, more people will be inspired to learn about him.
He said: “I was at the Saracen’s Head last weekend and I said that it would be fantastic to bring Charles to the town.
“The owner said that it should be a time where there’s a lot going on so it has all worked out perfectly with the festival.
“It would be great to showcase what Southwell has to offer, historically, and to show everyone what King Charles did here and where he went.”
Mr Williams started touring as King Charles I last December and has visited many places across the country. He has even featured on BBC News.
The music producer/DJ said: “Luckily I don’t find it too hard juggling my day job as it’s quite flexible.
“I am completely self-funded. I love sharing the story of King Charles I and learning more about him as I go along.
“Hopefully, I will be able to make a lot of people smile this weekend. I am really looking forward to it all.”
He is in the process of planning his biggest trip yet as he hopes to take King Charles 1 to Spain in the New Year.
Mr Williams will be dressed up as King Charles I for the whole of Saturday and will be at the Minster from noon.
The Bramley Apple Festival takes place at various venues throughout the town on Saturday celebrating the origins of the Bramley Apple in Southwell.
Hundreds of visitors are expected to attend, including from the US and Japan.
