On 21st January 1644, Lord Thomas Fairfax set out from Manchester to relieve Nantwich in the teeth of a bitter winter. He was accompanied by Sir William Brereton and a force of 1,800 cavalry, 500 dragoons and almost 3,000 infantry. It was rare for an army to march or fight in the winter months but…
Being part of the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote isn’t just about dressing up in period clothing, having a good fight and then enjoying a drink or two afterwards (though, let’s face it, those are pretty good reasons to try it!). As part of the regiment you get an incredible feeling of camaraderie, both…
On 18th of January 1644, the Royalist forces of Lord John Byron launched an attack against the defences around the Parliamentarian stronghold of Nantwich. In the bitter winter, the King’s men had spent eight days besieging and bombarding the town to no avail. When the storming came, hundreds of men threw themselves at the defences, but…
This Saturday, Nantwich in Cheshire will be filled with Roundheads, Cavaliers, camp followers, fire eaters and other entertainers of the period as the townspeople of Nantwich celebrate the relief of the Parliamentarian town from besiegement of the Royalist Army during the Civil War. The event is a hugely popular event that attracts crowds from far…
All this week we’re gearing up for the traditional first muster of the Sealed Knot re-enactment season at Nantwich in Cheshire. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first re-enactment, known as Holly Holy Day after the event was marked by townspeople wearing a sprig of holly in their hats in remembrance of the…
Today marks four centuries since the birth of Sir Thomas, Lord Fairfax, who went from taking on the Marquis of Newcastle’s forces in Yorkshire to rising to become commander of the New Model Army. Known as ‘Black Tom’ because of his dark complexion, Fairfax was a skilled warrior and general. Despite mixed fortunes in his…
As well as giving you a taste of what’s in store this Saturday, we’ll also be looking at the build-up to the battle in 1644, with updates each day as to what was happening… Upon this day 368 years ago, the town of Nantwich in Cheshire was given a second chance to surrender by the…
Nantwich is a pleasant little town just outside of Crewe, famed for its old buildings and once a prosperous salt-producing and coaching centre. But for a day every January, the town plays host to hundreds of re-enactors who march through the town to commemorate the lifting of the Siege of Nantwich in 1644. After parading…
The compliments of the season to you all! Since the whirlwind of the summer months, it’s been a (relatively) quiet off-season for regiment – but we’re already gearing up to bring a little warmth to the midwinter months. Our 30th anniversary banquet in November was a sumptuous affair, with much imbibing and bad dancing, and…
Need to convince your loved ones or friends to come and watch this weekend’s battle? Try playing them this … [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/13809934 w=500&h=283]