16/06/2011

Issued by York Archaelogical Turst

The picturesque villages of Long Marston and Bilton-in-Ainsty on the outskirts of York are preparing to be transformed into major historical encampments to commemorate the largest ever battle on British soil, whilst helping to raise money for charity.

Between 1-3 July, the Battle of Marston Moor site at Marston Grange will welcome over one hundred royalist troop reenactors to the historic battle site to recreate the encampment and to help raise money for the MS Society and York Archaeological Trust, a registered educational charity.

In addition, reenactors will also establish a field hospital at Bilton-in-Ainsty and more living history, complete with cannon emplacements at Long Marston.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the battlefield site, which in 1644 saw five armies, 46,000 parliamentarian and royalist men, come face to face in combat to determine the control of the North of England. Recreated uniforms, weapons and archaeological finds from the 400 acre site will be displayed and explained to help visitors visualise the events in the run up to, and during the battle, which took place 367 years ago.

The Marston Moor Weekend has been organised by York Archaeological Trust in association with Sealed Knot, Marston Grange and the MS Society. Proceeds raised for the activities will be divided between the MS Society and York Archaeological Trust.

There are activities for all the family during the course of the weekend, from talks held by The Cromwell Association and The Battlefields Trust, musket & pike drills, living history encampments, scheduled walks of the battlefield, live archaeology, participatory craft activities and a Battle-themed treasure hunt for children.

Danielle Daglan, Head of Events at York Archaeological Trust says, "The weekend will give visitors the closest thing to the battle itself. This is the first time an event of this scale has been held on the actual battle site with this many local and national groups taking part to bring this important era of British history alive."

"Marston Moor is one of the best preserved battlefields in England. Visitors can stand on the exact spot where, at 7pm on 2nd July in 1644, 46,000 parliamentarians and royalists joined in combat to determine the control of the North.

"Our tour of the site will encourage visitors to put themselves in the shoes of those involved in combat, to sense the atmosphere in the build up, visualise the battle plan and hear how the two hour long battle progressed."

For more information on the Marston Moor Weekend, please visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/events-calendar .

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