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English Civil War

September 5, 2011 by · Comments Off on English Civil War 

English Civil WarEnglish Civil War, Time stopped in the Faithful City this weekend to commemorate the 360th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester.

Muskets, cannons and battle cries are heard through Worcester as people relived the place of the city in history as the first location of the conflict and end the English Civil War.

Ben Humphrey, president of the Battle of Worcester Society – which organized many events held in the city to celebrate the occasion – said that the battle of Worcester was vital not only for the development of England, but also other countries around the world.

“In 1786, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson [second and third presidents of the U.S.] Came to Worcester, he believed that was the cradle of democracy – what is important is the battle,” he said.

“So we’re aiming to recognize that every year and celebrate it as much as we can.”

Roundheads and knights marched side by side through the center of the city Saturday morning, and processing to a service at Worcester Cathedral – the first commemoration of the battle held in the cathedral since 1651.

Local dignitaries including Lord Faulkner of Worcester and the mayor of Worcester, Councillor David Tibbutt, joined them.

He said: “The Battle of Worcester was a turning point. It was one of, if not the last battle of the English Civil War and anything else to say about it, that particular battle then everything changed.

“Worcester was the center of the start of parliamentary democracy. It is extremely important in our history.

“We would not be where we are today had it not been for the afternoon on that day 360 years.”

On Saturday afternoon, the country joined the battle of Worcester Tibbutt Society and members of the public service drum and a musket salute at Fort Royal Hill.

Meanwhile, in Powick – the site of the final battle – Sealed Knot members recreated that fateful day in 1651 when the New Model Army under Oliver Cromwell defeated the Royalist forces of King Charles II and ended the rule of God.

Visitors can also learn about how soldiers and their families lived in the 17th century and how to use some of the weapons wielded.

Brian Bullock, committee member and coordinator of the recreation of the Battle of Worcester Society, said the final conflict, has been instrumental in shaping the way we live today.

He said reconstruction was a great way to tell the story of Worcester, and captured the public’s attention and brought the story to life.

Mr. Bullock said the goal of society would eventually become a monument erected to commemorate the battle.

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