Rare prayer book of priest who saved the life of King Charles II goes on public display

This article was originally posted by The Institute of Conservation (ICON).

A 400-year-old prayer book that once belonged to a priest who helped save the life of King Charles II, has gone on public display after being bought for the nation by the National Trust.

Father John Huddleston’s (1608 – 1698) personal missal (a book containing prayers offered by the priest at the altar covering everything that is read in connection with the Mass throughout the ecclesiastical year) can now be viewed at Moseley Old Hall, near Wolverhampton, the house where he was Chaplain when Charles sought refuge after escaping Cromwell’s troops following the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

The book, bearing Fr Huddleston’s signature, was purchased by the conservation charity at auction thanks to a generous donation from a volunteer and support from the Friends of the National Libraries. The successful bid means this important piece of history has been saved for the nation and has returned to Moseley, some 363 years since it was first there.

@UK_ICOM