The English Civil War will come to Chippenham on August 7 and 8, as Chippenham Town Council plays host to Sir Marmaduke Rawdon’s Regiment of Foote as they establish a Soldiers Encampment and Living History Village in Monkton Park.

As part of the English Civil War Society, the group will portray Chippenham in July 1643 at a time when the Civil War raged across Wiltshire and the West Country.

Councillor James Bradbury, Chair of Chippenham Town Councils Amenities, Culture and Leisure Committee said: "I am delighted to welcome The English Civil War Society back to Chippenham for this wonderful and popular event with a brilliant mix of educational and fun activities for all the family to take part in.”

As in 1643, the camp will also be occupied by Royalist soldiers from Sir Ralph Hopton’s army marching from the hard-fought battle at Lansdown Hill near Bath. Pikemen, Musketeers, and a Cannon will be taking part in displays throughout the day for visitors to see. Younger visitors will have the opportunity of being trained as young Pikemen, as well as attempt to complete an exciting quiz.

The timings for each day is as followed:

11am

The cannon opens fire with the first shot of the day, ready to bombard any enemy planning to attack the town.

11:15am

The Musketeers practice firing their muskets, reloading as fast as they can before opening fire once again.

11:45am

A demonstration of combat skills by Pikemen; armed soldiers with 16″ spears tipped with steal.

12:15pm

The Colonel needs more young soldiers for his regiment and wants to train young people to become brave Pikemen.

12:45pm

Officers and Soldiers take a hurried meal before returning to duties.

1:30pm

The Cannon opens fire again as the Gunners demonstrate how to load and fire as fast as possible under battlefield conditions

1:45pm

Journey of the Soldier between 1600-1702. A visual demonstration revealing how the English Soldier changed and adapted over 100 years.

2:30pm

The Musketeers practice firing their muskets, reloading as fast as they can before opening fire once again.

3:00pm

A demonstration of combat skills by Pikemen; armed soldiers with 16″ spears tipped with steal.

3:30pm

The Colonel needs more young soldiers for his regiment and wants to train young people to become brave Pikemen.

4:15pm

The Prize Draw: The Winner of The Gunner’s Raffle fires the Cannon to signal the end of the day.

17th Century trades and crafts will be demonstrated by the townsfolk which will include a working printing press giving out the latest news sheets with tidings of the War and other news. Here the re-enactors will be happy to meet visitors, explain their work and share stories about Chippenham’s role in the English Civil War.

Look forward to 2022 when you will be able to see The King’s Army and the Roundhead Association together in a fight to decide whether the town will be Royalist or throw in its lot with Parliament!

This is a free event staged by Rawdon’s Regiment in partnership with Chippenham Town Council and will ensure all Covid guidelines will be strictly followed.