Knights of the Royal Oak
This order was intended by King Charles II as a reward to several of his followers, and the Knights of it were to wear a silver medal with a device of the King in the oak, pendant to a ribbon about their necks; but it was thought proper to lay it aside, lest it might create heats and animosities, and open those wounds afresh which at that time were thought prudent should be healed. There is, however, a manuscript in the handwriting of Peter Le Neve, Esq., Norroy King of Arms, the title of which is “A list of persons who were fit and qualified to be made Knights of the Royal Oak, with the value of their estates. Anno Domino 1660.” This list contains the name of Baronets, Knights, and Esquires, with the value of their estates, and embraces every county of England and Wales. The list, so far as it relates to Worcestershire, is as follows:
| Per ann. | |
|---|---|
| Sir William Russell, Knight and Bart. | £3,000 |
| Sir Henry Littleton, Knight and Bart., of Frankley. | 3,000 |
| Samuel Sandys, Esq., of Umbersley | 1,000 |
| Sherrington Talbott, Esq. | 1,000 |
| Thomas Savage, of Elmley Castle, Esq. | 800 |
| —— Sheldon, of Broadway, Esq. | 600 |
| Mathew Morphew, Esq. | 1,000 |
| Major Thomas Weld, Esq. | 600 |
| Thomas Acton, Esq. | 1,000 |
| Sir Rowland Berkley, Knight | 1,000 |
| Henry Bromley, Esq. | 1,000 |
| Philip Brace, Esq. | 600 |
| Francis Sheldon, Esq. | 600 |
| Joseph Walsh, Esq. | 1,000 |
| Sir Joseph Woodford, Knight | 2,000 |
| Thomas Child, Esq. | 2,000 |