Worcester Under Siege
August Bank Holiday weekend, 24-25 August 2025
Join the Sealed Knot at Worcester for an August Bank Holiday weekend revealing the history of one of the most important cities of the English Civil War.
Join the Sealed Knot as we explore what it was like to live, and fight, in Worcestershire in the English Civil War. Explore our Living history encampment and take part in our activities. Witness the spectacle of a 17th century battlefield brought to life, complete with infantry, artillery and cavalry troops as the faithful city attempts to hold out for the king one final time.
Location: Manor Farm, Malvern Road, Worcester, WR2 4BS.
Event Opening Times.
10am – 4pm Sunday 24th and Monday 25th of August 2025 (main battle 2.00pm)
Performance Times
Our arena and timetabled displays are all included in your ticket price.
An opportunity to discover how the troops of a 17th century army worked as well as get involved and discover if you’ve got what it takes! Learn, see and experience the sights and sounds of the English civil war as we bring history to life. Check out our website for more information regarding performance timings: www.thesealedknot.org.uk.
All Day Activities
A Full Day of Interactive History For All The Family
Join the Sealed Knot as we explore what it was like to live, and fight, in Northamptonshire in the 17th Century. Explore our Living history encampment and take part in our activities. Witness the spectacle of a 17th century battlefield brought to life, complete with infantry, artillery and cavalry troops as we re-create this pivotal moment of the English Civil War.
- See displays of ECW Weapons and Tactics.
- Explore Civilian life in our Living History camp.
- Take part in our ‘have a go’ activities.
- Complete our kids activity sheets and treasure hunts.
- Meet our Soldiers face to face.
- Witness the spectacle of our main battle.
Ticket Prices
Family (2 adults & 2 children): £35 (£25 early bird)
Adult: £12 (£10 early bird)
Child (over 3): £8 (£6 early bird)
Under 3 enter free.
Car parking pass to park in the field: £5. Although we will have ample parking in our grazing fields, we are trying to encourage people to walk and use public transport to us as much as possible.
Please Note: Due to the nature of our displays, loud noises from canon and musket are a common occurrence, please bear that in mind when looking to bring small children and dogs.
The history
Worcester equivocated, then sided with Parliament before the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642 but was swiftly occupied by the Royalists. Parliament briefly retook the city after the Battle of Powick Bridge of September 1642, and ransacked the cathedral, where stained glass was smashed and the organ destroyed, along with library books and monuments.
The Parliamentary commander, the Earl of Essex was soon forced to withdraw, and the city spent the rest of the war under Royalist occupation. Worcester was a garrison town and had to sustain and billet a large number of Royalist troops. During the Royalist occupation, the suburbs were destroyed to make defence easier. High taxation was imposed, and many male residents pressed into the army.
As Royalist power collapsed in May 1646, Worcester was placed under siege. Worcester had some 5,000 civilians and a Royalist garrison of about 1,500 men facing a New Model Army force of 2,500–5,000. The city surrendered on 23 July.
In 1651 a Scottish army, 16,000 strong, marched south along the west coast in support of Charles II’s attempt to regain the Crown. As the army approached, Worcester Council voted to surrender, fearing further violence and destruction. The Parliamentary garrison withdrew to Evesham in the face of the overwhelming numbers against them. The Scots were billeted in and around the city, joined by very limited local forces.
The Battle of Worcester took place on 3 September 1651. Charles II was easily defeated by Cromwell’s forces of 30,000 men. Charles II returned to his headquarters in what is now known as King Charles House in the Cornmarket, before fleeing in disguise with help of one of his officers, Francis Talbot to Boscobel House in Shropshire, from where he eventually escaped to France. Worcester was then heavily looted by the Parliamentarian army. The city council estimated £80,000 of damage was done and subsequent debts were still not recovered in the 1670s.