380th anniversary of The Battle of Edgehill sees re-enactment by Sealed Knot
The beer tent had only been open an hour before the lads kicked off… No this wasn’t just another Bank Holiday bust up caused by too much sun and booze, but a battle of immense proportions.
It was the re-enactment society Sealed Knot back in full gun-blazing pike-proding action as they celebrated the 380th anniversary of The Battle of Edgehill on Sunday and Monday of the recent August Bank Holiday at Moreton Morrell.
The encounter marked the start of the English Civil Wars and featured cannon, musket, calvary and pike and offered what organisers called “a fully immersive experience”.
When civil war broke out in earnest in August 1642, Royalist forces (known as Cavaliers) controlled northern and western England, while Parliamentarians (or Roundheads) dominated in the southern and eastern regions of the country.
The Battle of Edgehill itself took place up the road on 23rd October 1642 between the Royalist army of King Charles the First and the Parliamentarian army of Robert Devereux, third Earl of Essex. The result was inconclusive.
Spectators at the weekend were treated to living history and demonstrations – observing how life would have been in the 17th century, with battles at midday each day – with the beer tent open at 11am; plus stalls and food outlets.
At an inflation-busting £15 entrance for a family of four (£3 for concessions) it’s a definite bargain for those that like a bit of a spectacle as they imbibe.
The Sealed Knot’s Civil War campaign continues at Hartlebury Castle this weekend.
