Hundreds attend Battle of Cropredy Bridge event near Banbury

The Sealed Knot returned to the Banbury countryside on Sunday, August 25 and Monday, August 26 with an event that saw hundreds of re-enactors take to the battlefield.

The event featured a full day of activity with food traders, beer tent and living history all available to the public before, during and after the main event - the recreation of the Battle of Cropredy in 1644.

This encounter was the second major encounter of the English Civil Wars in the area and featured Cannon, Musket, Calvary and Pike, staged by Europe’s largest re-enactment society, The Sealed Knot.

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Villager Verna Wass, who lives in a house that stood at the time of the Battle of Cropredy Bridge, is a member of the Sealed Knot.

She said the event ticked "all the boxes" and was "absolutely fabulous". 

Ms Wass recently held a living history day for pupils at the local Cropredy CofE Primary School, in which the students made a banner to feature at the event. 

The banner made by the pupils (Image: Verna Wass)

"We think it's quite important for local people, particularly for children in school to actually learn what the impact of civil war was on local communities," Ms Wass said. 

"We though that this was an anniversary worth marking - hundreds of people from the Sealed Knot were here in costumes refighting the battle.

"It's quite an unusual event for the Sealed Knot, in the sense that in Cropredy they are able to do it on the land where it actually happened."

Ms Wass said the village was "very much" behind the event and that it was "really exciting" to see the cavalry coming over the bridge. 

"It gave a real proximity to the history," she added.

Ms Wass praised the efforts of the team from the Sealed Knot and the villagers who helped with the practical elements of the event.

Luke Stevens, who attended the event, said: "The re-enactment was amazing and such a huge spectacle. 

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"Seeing that many people, weapons and horses all charging around the field must have taken a huge effort from all involved.

"My favourite part was how approachable and dedicated all the participants were.

"Even after running around the field all day in full battle dress, they were still happy to stop and talk or pose for photos.

"I really can't thank them all enough for a brilliant day out."