English Civil War Re-enactment: The Sieges of Brampton Bryan

From Skirmish, to Muster, to Battle of Brampton Bryan!
The English Civil War Society are due to descend on Aardvark Books in Brampton Bryan again in 2022 to commemorate the two sieges of Brampton Bryan in 1643 and 1644.

Including a full detachment of cannons, muskets, pikes, hundreds of re-enactors tell the bloodthirsty story of the heroic defence of Brampton Bryan Castle by Brilliana Harley and her household. Attacked by a Royalist force of some 800 men lead by Sir William Vansittart, Lady Brilliana Harley bravely defended the castle – the second largest in the Marches – and the re-enactment captures the noise and hurley burley of the sieges.

In addition to the sieges throughout the weekend there will be a large ‘Living History Village’ with a range of craftspeople, and exhibits demonstrating what life was like during the middle of the 17th century. Weaving, leather working and much more went on, even during periods of fighting.

In the warehouse, noted battlefield historian Martin Hackett (author of the ‘Lost Battlefields of Wales’ and the ‘Lost Battlefields of Britain’) will be explaining what happened during the sieges with the help of his intricate scale models, which get more detailed and better each year, and conducting wargaming activities

He also has models of other local battles including Mortimer's Cross (1461). Martin has worked with the Mortimer's Cross Society on the successful campaign to list the battlefield site, and over the next few years will be spearheading the first scientific surveys of the area of the battlefield.

Also joining us during the day will be Adrian Durkin, formerly senior curator at Dudley Museum. Adrian will be bringing his collection of costume, weapons and armour of the period and will also be leading the educational activities in which children get a flavour of warfare of the period.

Civil War Re-Enactment Programme (provisional)
Saturday 13th August, 10.00-16.00
10.00 -    Event Opens
10.00 – 11.00 -   Handling Sessions with Re-enactors, explanation of Living History Sites
11.00 - 12.15 -   Trying on Arms and Armour of ECWS; Dressing of Public/Children
12.15 - 13.00 - First Siege of Castle (1643)
13.15 - 13.30 - Parade and informal chats with Visitors
13.30 - 14.00 - Lunch
14.00 – 15.15 - Pike Drill (Children)
15.30 – 16.00 - Second Siege of Castle (1644)

Sunday 14th August, 10.00-16.00
10.00 -   Event Opens
10.00-11.00 -   Handling Sessions with Re-Enactors, explanation of Living History Sites
11.00 -   Procession with wreath leaves for church
11.15 - 12.15 -   Church Service
11.15 - 12.30 -   Trying on Arms and Armour, Living History Site
12.45 - 13:30 - First Siege of Castle(1643)
13.30 - 14.00 -   Lunch
14.00 - 15.15 -   Children’s Pike Drill and Officers' Briefing
15.30 - 16.00 -   Second Siege of Castle (1644)
16.00 -   Event Closes