Roundheads and Cavaliers descend on Bolton School on 7-8 July for ‘The Storming of Bolton’ – an exciting weekend of thrilling battles and fascinating ‘living history’!
Staged by The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote, the local regiment of the Sealed Knot reenactment society, the event is 100% FREE!
Welcome to 1644 a time of great woe and strife…
For almost two years KING CHARLES has been at war with the PARLIAMENT in London over taxes, power & religion. Now, across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, father fights against son, brother against brother, neighbour against neighbour, as families and communities are torn apart.
The small but prosperous weaving town of Bolton is on the front line of the civil war in Lancashire – known as the ‘Geneva of the North’ because of its staunch Calvinism, Bolton’s Puritans support Parliament but many in the countryside around them are Roman Catholic and support the King.
A defensive wall of earth has been built around Bolton and local Royalist commander James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby, has twice failed to take the town. Meanwhile, troops from Bolton have taken the towns of Blackburn, Preston & Lancaster – and have even besieged Stanley’s wife at nearby Lathom House! A humiliated Stanley has vowed to teach the Parliamentarians of Bolton a lesson!
But now word has reached local Parliamentarian commander Colonel Alexander Rigby that the King’s nephew, Prince Rupert is approaching with a mighty army, bound for York. No-one can stand in his way and Rigby has broken off his siege of Lathom House and retreated to what he thinks is the safety of Bolton’s walls – hoping that Rupert’s army will pass it by.
But the Royalists are coming – and Bolton is about to pay a terrible price for its defiance…
In the grounds of Bolton Castle from 10am to 4pm, a fascinating living history encampment will be open where you can…
- Learn about life in Bolton during the English Civil Wars!
- Take part in a fun scavenger hunt around the fascinating historical encampment!
- Listen to our fire-and-brimstone Puritan preacher, visit the apothecary, and discover the Gong Farmer’s smelly secret – but watch out for the Rat Catcher!
- Find out what it’s like to be a Parliamentarian soldier – watch muskets firing and join them as they drill for battle!
- Watch as cannons and muskets fire in a thrilling battle reenactment as the townspeople defend Bolton from the Royalists’ attack!
Battle will take place at 1pm as Royalist forces storm the town’s defences and the Parliamentarian troops stage a desperate last stand!
Schedule of the day:
- 10am – The Garrison’s encampment opens
Learn about life in Bolton during the English Civil Wars & take part in a fun scavenger
hunt! Talk to the cooks, visit the apothecary, watch leatherworkers and weavers tend to their chores, and discover the Gong Farmer’s smelly secret – but watch out for the Rat Catcher! - 10.30am – Morning Prayers
The people of Bolton were staunch Calvinists Puritans – watch as the Puritan preacher brings them & the garrison to prayer, then discover why Bolton was known as ‘The Geneva of the North’ - 11am & 12noon – Displays of Arms
Find out what it’s like to be a Parliamentarian soldier – watch muskets firing and discover how musketeers, pikemen, and drummers all worked together. Then join in with drill as the soldiers prepare for battle! - 1pm – Battle begins
Watch as the Royalist army of Prince Rupert attacks the defences of Bolton! Col. Alexander Rigby’s Parliamentarian garrison and the townspeople must fight for their lives – but what price will they pay if they lose? - 4pm – Encampment closes
Please note, there is very limited parking at this event; please respect our neighbours when parking or use public transport where possible.
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