Worcester: Battle of Worcester Commemoration

Where:	Worcester at the Guildhall, Commandery and Fort Royal Hill
When:	3rd September
Time:	From 4.30 onwards pm at Guildhall, 5.15 to approx. 6.30 and 6.30 - 7 pm Fort Royal (times except for start are approximate)

The Battle of Worcester on 3rd September 1651 was the final battle of the protracted English Civil War and was a decisive victory for Parliament, driving Charles II into exile for nearly a decade and leading to rule by the republican Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. During the battle around 3000 troops were killed and a further 10,000 taken prisoner, for conscription or deportation as indentured labourers overseas. The annual commemoration of the battle begins with an inspection of the troops and a parade from the Guildhall on the High Street to the Commandery, with re-enactors in period costume and civic dignitaries as well as representatives of the Battle of Worcester Society who organise the event. The Commandery was the Royalist headquarters during the campaign and is now a museum dedicated to the period (only a small part of the building will be open for access to the bar etc, the Museum itself isn’t open during the event). Refreshments are available at the Commandery and after a break, the parade reforms to march up to the Battle Monument at Fort Royal Hill, which was defended by the Royalists, for a short service and speeches. The minute’s silence in memory of the fallen of both sides is marked by volleys from the musketeers.

Helpful Hints

All are welcome to attend. It usually takes place on the actual anniversary regardless of which day of the week it falls upon. The service at Fort Royal lasts around half-an-hour.

Click here for the Battle of Worcester Society: https://www.thebattleofworcestersociety.org.uk

Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BattleofWorcesterSociety