[h2]The story of a Staffordshire ‘battle that never’ was will be re-enacted in historic Uttoxeter museum.[/h2]
Redfern’s Cottage: Museum of Uttoxeter Life, in Carter Street, will step back in time on Saturday, May 4 2013 to the August of 1648 when an army of 5,000 Royalist troops, led by the Duke of Hamilton, were drawn up in High Wood on the high ground above Uttoxeter.
Meanwhile the Parliamentary troops in the town were readying to meet them in battle under General John Lambert.
On August 25, prior to the battle, Lambert met with the Royalist army to parlay only to discover an exhausted and demoralised Royalist army, who promptly surrendered without a fight.
This was the final surrender of the Royalists in the war which placed family against family as the country tore itself apart in the struggle for liberty. Captured troops were imprisoned in the church and outlaying barns and James Duke of Hamilton was beheaded for treason in London in 1649.
The museum will host The Sealed Knot Parliamentarians, Sir John Gell’s Regiment of Foote, who will muster camp and march through the town bringing the sights and sounds of the 1642 to 1651 war to life.
[blockquote]There will be an opportunity to try out 17th Century games, handle weapons and historic items, meet the soldiers, take the opportunity for tours of the museum and visit the historic buildings in the ancient market place of Uttoxeter.[/blockquote]
Councillor Geoff Morrison said: “Gell’s men – members of the Sealed Knot – are great enthusiasts and will recreate every day life and activities in 17th century England in this display that will fascinate children and adults alike.”
So soak up the atmosphere and watch as battle is joined across the Market Square on Saturday 4 May 2013
