The Civil War one of the most turbulent times in English history: a time that set neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend; brother against brother. A time of personal ideology and family heartbreak.
The cause of the conflict: a fundamental battle between King Charles I, who abused his power as King to enact laws without the consent of Parliament.
Loyalties within the country were divided between those who believed that the King’s power came from God and should not be questioned, and those who believed that the King should be answerable to the people.
Today we take it for granted that we elect our members of Parliament but in the 17th Century, it was not so clear cut. This was a battle of religion and ideology, not just a fight for power.
The Sealed Knot are a 17th Century Battle Re-enactment society, who put on “Musters” around the country. A Muster is an enactment of a battle between Royalist and Parliamentarian troops during the English Civil War.
At one of their displays you will usually get to wander around a living history camp, talk to members of the society about 17th century life, and watch a battle, where there will be cannons, muskets and pike pushes, which are a little like rugby scrums with large sticks....
But it’s not only battles, killing and smoke (although there is a lot of that). There are also peaceful demonstrations of ancient crafts and skills.
This summer there are plenty of Sealed Knot Events around the country that you can go to:
4-5 August 2007, Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo
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1-12-August 2007 Sudeley Castle, Gloustershire
18-19 August 2007 Scolton Manor, Pembrokeshire
25-27 August 2007 Nantwich, Cheshire
8-9 September 2007 Chirk Castle, Wrexham
8-9 September 2007 Berkeley Castle, Goucestershire
6-7 October,2007 Ripple, Gloustershire