Merry making on the riverside

The Royal Stuart banner is run up the mast of AHP Punt for Oak Apple Day ~ once celebrated widely and akin to May Day and Christmas. The event marks the restoration of the constitutional monarchy with Charles The Second in 1660. Garlands of oak sprigs were strung up and pageants were held.

During the fabled modern 'Merry Monarch's' transformative reign, Parliamentary legislation was passed for proper governance of the urban harbours and later, rivers; leading to foundation of the Great Yarmouth Port and Haven Commissioners. The Commissioners successfully managed the navigational aspects of Broadland, right up until 1989. King Charles is also recognised as launching the sport of pleasure yachting in the UK, via the Dutch, who gifted him his first yacht HMY MARY.

The arts, science and beauty in all spheres of life were nurtured by Charles. Commerce was advanced and the General Post Office, revolutionised mass communication. It is believed the scarlet and gold livery of the Royal Mail stems from the Royal Stuart heraldic colours.

An early conservation project achieved by Charles, beloved by one and all, was the opening up of the Park of St James, a little beyond the old rambling Palace of Whitehall and seat of Government. The King organised for the edge of the overgrown hunting park to be dug up by unemployed soldiers, creating lakes teeming with exotic and rare waterfowl, including little ducks, which Charles loved feeding himself.

Chris

If we are understood, more words are unnecessary; if we are not likely to be understood, they are useless.

Charles II