history

[cob mauler]

what is known of major william careless, of the boscobel oak tree fame

[Octavius]

A yeoman, born William Careless, he took up the Royal cause on the outbreak of civil war in 1642. He fought for Charles I in England and Ireland and in 1651 he enlisted as a major in Lord Talbot's cavalry troop. After the Battle of Worcester in September 1651 he hid in Boscobel Wood. He is best remembered for spending a night hiding with Charles II from Cromwell's soldiers in the branches of an oak tree. In 1658 Charles conferred distinction on him by changing his name to Carlos and granting him a coat of arms featuring a green oak on the shield. At the Restoration he was awarded the proceeds of a levy on all hay and straw brought into London and Westminster, together with the office of Inspector of Livery Horsekeepers.

William Carlos (died 1689) a Royalist soldier.