What a Bank Holiday weekend! Newark-on-Trent came alive last week as the National Civil War Centre was opened in this historic town, which boasts the best preserved English Civil War defenses in the country. Here’s some video of what was an intense but incredibly well-attended battle, which took place by The Queen’s Sconse on the edge…
This weekend, Newark-on-Trent will be besieged – 369 years after Parliamentarian ‘Roundheads’ last encircled the Royalist ‘Cavalier’ town during the first English Civil War. Both The Sealed Knot and the English Civil War Society will be taking part to bring this closing chapter of the first civil war to life, with battles, encampments, characters, and educational…
Why does Newark deserve its reputation as King Charles’ ‘northern fortress’ during the English Civil War? Sitting where the Great North Road and the Fosse Way cross the River Trent, the town of Newark had not only declared early on for the King but also become both a strategic communications centre and a thorn in…
One of the questions we get the most often from members of the public is “Where do you get your clothes from?”. It’s an understandable question – we’re not exactly wearing things you can find on the high street! They say clothes maketh the man and with historical re-enactment it’s totally true, the period clothes that audiences know…
If you’re ever watched one of our battles and thought “that looks fun” then read on… It may seem intimidating to just join a new group and turn up to an event without knowing anyone – but everyone has their first ‘muster’ and The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote takes pride in making everyone feel welcome, regardless…
As it’s International Women’s Day today let’s take a look at two very different but equally remarkable 17th Century women – Brilliana, Lady Harley and Nzinga Mbandi, the Queen of Ndongo and Matamba – who should be remembered for their strength and fortitude in the face of great hardship and prejudice. Brilliana, Lady Harley Brilliana, Lady Harley was a 17th…
Photo: Centre for Heritage Imaging and Collection Care As with so much of our history, the records of the English Civil Wars are usually dominated by those with power and agency – whether it’s the monarchs and politicians who ruled us or the privileged rich who could afford education and materials, it’s often the case that the voice…
Photo: Yorkshire Evening Post Every last Thursday of the month, our members get together for their regular drink and natter, and we’d love you to join us! If you’re thinking of having a go at re-enactment, there’s no better than way than having a natter with our members over a drink – they’ll be happy to…
In July last year, we joined dozens of other re-enactment groups at Kelmarsh Hall in the Northamptonshire countryside to take part in the huge History Live! event organised by English Heritage – and it got pretty hot! Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote and the Sealed Knot brought the Battle of Marston Moor to life in…
Today marks 366 years since the execution of Charles Stuart, king of England, Scotland and Ireland, on a scaffold built next to the Banqueting Hall at Whitehall in London. Surrounded by large numbers of soldiers, who faced the crowd rather than the scaffold, he addressed his last speech, uttered in a quiet voice, to Colonel Tomlinson…