Discover History

375 Years ago - Whilst Cromwell approaches the Vale of Evesham, General Lambert takes a look at the Scots at Upton upon Severn. Sir William Keith is also sent to dismantle some of the arches on Powick Bridge. This will prevent a Parliament attack from the South West.

Did you know Discover History established two annual events in Worcester? It started with a day to commemorate the English Civil Wars. This was held close to the date of the Battle of Worcester in September. We also resurrected Oak Apple Day held in May every year. Both events are now very well established on the city calendar.

Our final booking today was at Hallow WI. Tonight Paul delivered his talk on Worcester Women. This is a popular talk and highlights people we should all know. Here's just four of them.

Despite being our focus this Summer, we are still very busy with 'The Worcester Story' too. This was booked for a private group this afternoon. This tour also runs daily at 6pm. Booking is essential.

We delivered another free walk today. 'Women at War' was developed to highlight what women went through 375 years ago. If you missed the walk, please visit our website for further dates -

https://discover-history.co.uk/tours

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375 Years ago - Charles is angered by the muster on Pitchcroft Meadow. Very few turn up to join the Royalist ranks. He is forced to open the Gaol to gain extra men! Meanwhile, the Scots steal lead from roofs, and the people of Worcester are ordered to supply shoes and hose for the foot sore army.

On we remember Boy, the dog owned by Prince Rupert. Rupert first came to Worcester and Powick Bridge in 1642. The bridge is not looking it's best at the moment, and we thank those who have sent us pictures for our campaign. Keep sending or tagging us. Let's show people that we look forward to the restoration of the bridge in 2027-2028. Visit Worcestershire Visit Worcester BBC Hereford & Worcester Worcester News Tammy Gooding Friends of Powick Old Bridge

- We must remember that 375 years ago, the main Parliamentarian army had also marched from Scotland. They were now based in Worcestershire and waiting to see where the Scots would go next. Would this county see the final battle in the English Civil Wars? This Parliament army had been in Scotland as an occupying force until Charles invaded England. It was led by the 52 year old, very experienced war veteran, Oliver Cromwell. This had moved down the East coast of England and was a full time, professional force, known as the New Model Army. This was created in the Winter of 1644-45 by Cromwell and Sir Thomas Fairfax. This was very different to the Trayned Bands or Militias in England. A much better force than the Royalists too. They were paid regularly, given standardised 'Tower' weapons, and were well trained. They wore a selection of hats including the heavy, knitted Monmouth cap, a brimmed version, and the traditional felt, brimmed hat. They wore a long linen shirt, often with a plain falling band or collar. Dyed woollen hose or stockings covered the legs and they wore stout leather, lace up shoes. Dyed, woolen breeches covered the lower body, and a loose fitting Regimental coat was worn, dyed using Madder to create a deep red colour. Major-General Harrison also brought together the part-time Parliamentarian Trayned Bands or Miltia.These took part in regular training but were only raised to fight for a short period of time when needed. They dressed in civilian clothing, wearing a tight fitting doublet with breeches. By 1651, Pikemen in this army wore only a small amount of armour, if any. Some wore an iron helmet known as a Morion or Pott. Some even wore an iron Back and Breast Plate. They all carried an ash Pike around 16ft long with a sharp iron tip. Musketeers carried Matchlock Muskets, lit by burning cord known as slow match, a bandolier of 12 bottles of powder, a priming bottle, and a shot bag holding lead bullets. The Parliamentarians made use of Muskets more than Pikes and could sustain a rate of 2-3 shots a minute. Some also carried a simple sword known as a Tuck or Hanger. In battle they fought in the standard way with Pikemen protecting the Musketeers. The Parliamentarians also had a large Artillery Train with bronze and iron guns of various sizes. The army also had very well trained Cavalry. These men rode horses of 16 hands high. They wore an iron Tri Bar Pott helmet and a thick leather Buff Coat. Some wore iron Back and Breast Plates, along with an iron Bridle Gauntlet for the hand holding the reins. Their main weapon was a sword and pair of flintlock pistols but some also carried a flintlock Carbine or small Musket. The Parliament army had marched 300 miles in 3 weeks, and were just as tired as the Royalists at Worcester. The Worcestershire Militia, who fought in the Parliament army, were the freshest troops at Worcester. These had been mustered under Cromwell's orders, as with all the other Miltias in England. They were county men aged between 16 and 60, so knew the area well and wanted to help destroy this invading Scottish army. Not quite the Faithful City we have been led to believe. The day of the battle would have been seen as the day they tried to 'liberate' their city from the Scots. Visit Worcestershire Visit Worcester Worcester BBC Hereford & Worcester Worcester News

375 Year ago - Charles had no knowledge of the disaster that was unravelling 112 miles away to the North. Royalist reinforcements from the Isle of Man, and fresh recruits from Lancashire, under the command of the Earl of Derby were being destroyed in a lane outside of Wigan.

Our anniversary posts seem to be very popular. As we move towards the end of August, can you guess these anniversaries? We have a couple of hard ones this time.