Tower and Town, July 2019

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The English Civil War Society

The English Civil War Society traces its roots back to the early 1970s when two re-enactment ‘Armies’, The Roundhead Association and The King’s Army began to recreate events of the English Civil War period in Britain.

There are few hobbies that encourage women and men from all backgrounds and of all ages from the newborn babies to those with the greyest of hair to meet all over the country and take part in a weekend where there is something for everyone. And fewer still where as a society of friends we welcome everyone to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and to take part as much or as little as they would like. Events take place mainly in the summer, anywhere in the country in wonderful locations.

This month, July 27 and 28, we are coming to Marlborough to re-enact the dramatic invasion of the Town of Marlborough (then supportive of Parliament) by the overwhelming Royalist forces. There will be a battle, complete with horses and cannon, on the Common, both afternoons.

The encampment in the Priory Gardens will showcase the Living History side of the Society which demonstrates everyday living for people of the period and the non-combatants. Many members of the Society have developed considerable proficiency in the production of clothing, equipment, weapons, instruments, and even buildings of the period. We have experts whose skills are sought to equip museums, produce accurate props for films and we support the National Civil War Centre in Newark.

In the Living History displays members show the skills that our forebears used in everyday life, from blacksmithing to making candles and soap; from weaving and spinning to repairing armour and muskets. You can find out about the different re-enactment roles you may wish to try out whether it be firing a cannon or cooking the finest dishes of the period

Nowadays over 1,000 members from all walks of life make up the national membership of these two Armies - organised into seventeenth century style Regiments. They present all manner of activities, both military and civilian, for the public, for schools and for a wider audience on film and video.

Our members are all volunteers. Our practices are rooted in historical authenticity. Considerable research is required in the equipping of whole companies of soldiers be they of The New Model Army or of any of the other Armies which contested the issues of the day.

Whilst at times re-enactors may be baffled by the questions from the public when they ask ‘is that a real piece of cheese?’ (as you eat it) or ‘how did they do without washing machines’ or any number of other comments, the very same public will truly enjoy putting on the pikeman’s armour and they will be applauding the fantastic battle or drill that you have just put on for them. This has the added bonus of providing plenty of funny tales to amuse everyone around the campfire or beer tent later in the evening as the entire Society socialises after the public have gone home.

“ECCENTRIC BUT BY NO MEANS FRIVOLOUS”

The English Civil War Society publishes a considerable amount of material which is of interest to teachers, students and members of the public who share our interest in this period.

More information on our publications, or concerning membership of either Army, may be obtained by visiting our website at: www.ecws.org.uk

Sara Holden