Civil war battle ‘fought’ near site of July 2, 1644 conflict

The Battle of Marston Moor is being remembered this weekend (July 4 and 5) with re-enactments of the 1644 clash, staged by the Sealed Knot re-enactment society.

The action has been taking place at Long Marston Village Hall Community Hub and continues tomorrow, along with a ceremonial march to the monument in Tockwith Road.

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The English Civil War skirmish saw Royalist forces under Prince Rupert and the Marquess of Newcastle – about 17,000 men – clash with some 24,000 Parliamentarian and Scottish troops near Long Marston, west of York.

The Royalists initially drove back their opponents on the left and in the centre, but broke formation to pursue fleeing soldiers, opening gaps that the allied army exploited.

Newcastle’s own “white coats” famously stood their ground, reportedly being cut from around 1,500 men to fewer than 30.

The reenactment of the Battle of Marston Moor is taking place this weekend, curated by The Sealed Knot (Image: Supplied)

The defeat broke Royalist power in the north and proved a turning point in the English Civil War.

The Sealed Knot is a registered educational charity and re‑enactment society that brings English Civil War History to life by staging costumed battles, living‑history camps and school visits across the country.

Chair Liz Wright said: “We’ve had a good turn out from The Sealed Knot.

“We got a living history village set up, with over 20 tents showing contemporary crafts from leatherworking, a blacksmith’s forge, distilling and officers’ tents which display the differences between them and the common man.”

The main difference the embroidery of the clothing but there was very little day to day differences in coats and dress.

Liz said on July 2, 1644, Parliamentarian commander Thomas Fairfax rode through the Royalist line by taking a piece of paper out of his hat.

Field signs such as oak leaves or a sprig of holly were also put into helmets to distinguish what side the combatants were on, she said.

The reenactment of the Battle of Marston Moor is taking place this weekend, curated by The Sealed Knot (Image: Supplied)

Musicians and wool-dyers added to the scenery of a very busy day, Liz said.

In the Civil War people didn’t live in tents, but they were billeted on the local townsfolk or village people, so the tents on display are a representation of the houses the forces were billeted to, she said.

Liz said: “We’ve had lots of visitors round, there’s been lots of conversations and educational themes throughout the day.

“I’ve just been watching a group of youngsters taking on our pikemen, doing pike drill.

“We’ve another bunch learning how to use a musket – a dummy version is being used – but they are being taught how to hold them and use them by our own musketeers.”

On Thursday, July 2, members of The Sealed Knot commemorated the Battle of Marston Moor at a monument close by.