Battle of Chippenham Re-enactment

About

Join the English Civil War Society in an historically accurate recreation of what happened in and around Chippenham during the summer of 1643.

Watch four hundred soldiers with cannon and horses as The King’s Army and the Roundhead Association battle to decide whether the town will be Royalist or throw in its lot with Parliament.

Enjoy a glimpse of 17th Century life when visiting the encampment of Townsfolk and watch displays by Musketeers, Pikemen, Cavalry, and artillery throughout the day.

Program:

11am    

The Island          

17th Century Chippenham Market opens, alongside the Military Campsite occupied by Sir Ralph Hopton’s Royalist Army.

11.30am             

Display by Cavalry Monkton Park             

Watch the highly trained cavalry from the English Civil War Society test their fighting abilities in an ‘Exercise of Arms’. Come and see how the skill levels of the Cavalrymen made them so decisive on the Battlefield.

12.30pm

Display by Infantry Monkton Park

Come and see a Regiment of Foote from the Civil War. Watch the Musketeers firing, Pikemen practicing attacking their enemies, and Drummers beating the Time and relaying orders. All under the skilful command of the regimental officers.

1pm

Soldiers’ Sutlery

The Island

The Cooks at the Campfires have been very busy preparing to feed soldiers and Townsfolk with typical fare from the 17th century. Meanwhile, the wounded Sir Ralph Hopton and some of his Officers sit and dine in more civilised fashion as Hopton’s surly servant waits upon them at Table.

1.30pm

Display by Cannon

Monkton Park

Do you know what a Falconet is? Or a Wormer? Come and find out as the mighty cannon open fire on Monkton Park, where expert Gunners train the crews to bombard their enemies.

2.45pm

Ambush at Chippenham

Monkton Park The Royalists have retreated out of Chippenham and Sir William Waller’s Roundheads are in pursuit, intent of catching up with Hopton’s Army and bringing it to battle. But a nasty surprise awaits them at Pewsham Forest…

3pm

Battle of Chippenham

Monkton Park

Battle is joined as the Roundheads attempt to prevent Hopton’s Army from reaching Devizes and Safety. Infantry, Cavalry, and Cannon clash in a spectacular conclusion to Chippenham 1643.

5pm

Campsite Closes

The Chippenham Market and Soldiers’ Campsite finish for the day.