Ancient Tradition Inspires Thought on Today’s Environmental Imperative

May 29th, traditionally known as Oak Apple Day, marks the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II in 1660.

It’s a day that was used in pervious times to speak of peace and the rebuilding of a nation after years of awful conflict. At Soulton, the magnificent Wren era door case, added in 1668, serves as a physical reminder of this historical restoration. It was a celebration of marriage (of Thomas Hill), the return of the a stable constitutional order and a collective sigh of relief after the English Civil War/War of the Three Kingdoms and the Thirty Years’ War in Europe.

Oak leaves adorn the Restoration door case at Soulton. In the 17th century, a broken nation yearned for restoration. In 2025, it’s nature’s turn to call for it.

In 2025, during a time of pressing climate change and biodiversity challenges, the call for “restoration” resonates deeply once again. Just as the nation once sought to restore peace and order, we now face an urgent need to restore our planet.

With this in mind, this week, we’ve revived the old custom of decorating the Soulton Hall door case with oak boughs: an invitation to reflect on the various forms of restoration – both historical and contemporary – under different King Charleses. It prompts us to consider how we can contribute to the restoration of our environment, much like past generations celebrated the restoration of their society.