Coleford: Battle of Coleford Memorial

20th February is the anniversary of the Battle of Coleford, a significant event in the English Civil Wars, and on the Saturday nearest that date a commemorative parade takes place in the centre of the town. Members of the Sealed Knot join local dignitaries to mark the anniversary, with a history of the attack on Parliamentarian Coleford by a force of Royalists raised in Wales, who were intending to the eliminate an enemy regiment being formed in the Forest of Dean. The Royalists were ultimately on their way to Gloucester but encountering fierce resistance at Coleford and the loss of their commander Colonel Lawley, the leaderless “Mushroom Army” (so called because it grew quickly then rapidly disappeared) was heavily defeated just a few weeks later at Highnam. In Coleford, the defenders positioned themselves at the windows of the buildings around the central Market Place and this is the setting both for the event today and for a Memorial Plaque recording the Battle. There are brief prayers and readings, a two-minute silence in memory of the fallen and the laying of a floral tribute, with lively demonstrations of pike formations, displays of the colours, and musket volleys (very loud!) throughout the event.

Helpful Hints

In 2025 it was on Saturday 22nd February – 2026 date is yet to be confirmed but likely to be Saturday 21st. There are also plans for a re-enactment of the battle (details yet to be announced).

It’s organised by the Town Council and the Sealed Knot.

Click here for the Council website (check under Events): https://colefordtown.net/coleford/

and https://colefordtown.net/events/commemoration-of-the-battle-of-coleford/

and here for the Sealed Knot: https://www.thesealedknot.org.uk