Daily Archives: 6th July 2011

Under flintlock and key: 17th Century jailer's guns give new meaning to being 'banged up'

An absolutely fascinating gallery of photos of ‘Jailer’s keys’ “Jailers’ keys were apparently filled with gun powder to create a primitive gun that could be detonated if there was any trouble when opening a cell door. We found several original versions that back up this claim, dating from the 17th century and of various complexity.”

"It's our duty to sympathize in all mercies … that so we may sorrow together" – commemorating Marston Moor

On the evening of the 2nd July 1644, at Marston Moor near York, the Royalist army under Prince Rupert of the Rhine and the Marquess of Newcastle faced off against the Parlimentarian army of the Scottish Earl of Leven, the Earl of Manchester and Lord Fairfax. The day before, the Royalists had outmanoeuvred Parliament and…