| Where: | Naseby, Northamptonshire at Gorse Field, Mill Hill |
| When: | Weekend near 14th June |
| Time: | 8 am- 5 pm with re-eneactment from 10.30- 1pm (formerlyParade 10 am, with displays from 11-4.30 approx) |
The battle fought at Naseby on 14th June 1645 was one of the most decisive events in the English Civil War, and the Parliamentarian victory ensured that there was no realistic hope for the future of the Royalist cause. Today, on the weekend closest to the anniversary, a living history event usually takes place in the village to mark the occasion and it provides a full day’s entertainment for visitors. In the past it was a two-day event which began with a parade of cavalry and infantry around the village, followed by a programme of regular displays by the various groups such as musketeers, pikes, cavalry and drums & colours. Every hour on the hour a cannon was fired, and in the gaps between the displays there was a chance to visit the living history encampment to chat to the craftspeople and re-enactors, who were very happy to share their extensive knowledge to all ages. It’s a very interesting day out. In 2025 the event will be a youth-led re-enactment on the Saturday with guided walks, living history, book signings, displays and live music.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be on Saturday 14th June; also, there are guided tours of the Battlefield available via the link below on Friday 14th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June – this year there will also be a re-enactment of the Battle on May 25th and 26th at Lamport Hall and tickets are available via the Sealed Knot at https://www.thesealedknot.org.uk/event/battle-of-naseby/
Tickets for walks may be bought in advance via the links below and early birds get a discount – £7.50 in 2022 or £10 on the gate. I was surprised that there weren’t huge crowds for the anniversary re-enactment – it was very easy to get a good view at the arena events.There are portaloos on site, food and drink are available including a bar, and there’s parking next to the venue.
When I visited on 2022 the flat and free car park next to the Village Hall on Clipston Road was open in time for the village parade. In 2025 the re-enactment is at a different location at Mill Hill- follow the links below for full details.
Click here for the event website: www.naseby.com
and here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Nasebybattlefield
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