Thousands of people gathered in Nantwich and Acton to enjoy the 50th anniversary of the “Battle of Nantwich” on Holly Holy Day.
Events took place in Acton and across the town, before the Sealed Knot parade down Welsh Row and the battle re-enactment on Mill Island in Nantwich.
Families lined the streets on a chilly but dry day to watch the amazing spectacle as troops marched from Malbank to the town square, and then on to Mill Island.
Venues like Nantwich Museum also staged public events to mark the day.
There were plays, displays and parades throughout the day to entertain the many visitors young and old.
Liz Parkin, Chairperson of the Holly Holy Day committee, said: “I am delighted with how the 50th anniversary of the Battle re-enactment has gone.
“It was brilliant to see our wonderful historical event come alive again after the Covid years.
“I would like to personally thank everyone who has supported the Battle for a long time including the sponsors who are all local businesses in Nantwich, various Rotary Clubs who have marshalled over the years, The Sealed Knot troops, Domesday Morris Dancers, Nantwich Museum, Reaseheath students for making the holly sprigs, Jonathan White for his PR support, Ezra and his Plough Witches, and Nantwich and Acton churches.
“There really are so many volunteers and sponsors that make this vibrant and meaningful event come to life!
“I have served for 10 years on the committee, and my husband Michael-John, for over 15 years and we are proud to be leaving on a high along with our treasurer Graham Fenton who has also been a volunteer for many years.”
Shaun Cafferty, of event sponsors Whitegates Estate Agents, said: “Currently we are the number one estate agent in Nantwich, so we do feel an obligation to support the town which supports our business.
“But it was actually an honour to be associated with Saturday’s event.
“It was great to see the town so busy on Saturday morning, and the food and drink outlets doing good business after the battle. A real boost for everyone!
“Many thanks to the volunteers who work all year to raise the money and stage this much loved Nantwich tradition.”
A representative from Sealed Knot said: “We value our long and unique association with Nantwich in keeping history alive, and commemorating Holly Holy Day, and appreciate the warm welcome we receive.
“Last year, on 22nd January 2022, we were able to conduct a simple low-key wreath-laying event in commemoration of both Holly Holy Day and our association of 50 years with Nantwich.
“Herbert Rowsell and his wife attended as guests of honour in recognition of their steadfastness and loyalty to the Sealed Knot.
“Andrew Gillitt, with whom he had worked in collaboration, having already passed away in 2015. Sadly, towards the end of last year, Herbert also passed away.
“For posterity, it should be noted that Herbert was regarded as a V.I.P. member by the Sealed Knot, and in 2006 had been made an Honorary Vice President.
“Andrew Gillitt’s enthusiasm and inspiration laid the foundations for sharing this remembrance of history. For the Sealed Knot, Andrew had become a legend in his lifetime.
“He was a keen member of the local history society when it was formed and became a life-long friend of Herbert Rowsell.
“He was very supportive of the revival of Holly Holy Day, which Percy Curry had attempted to re-establish in 1963 without much success.
“Andrew’s intervention at the wreath laying ceremony in 1972, when to add more colour to the commemoration, he brought along six ladies and six gentlemen from the Sealed Knot in seventeenth century costume, was well-received.
“The following year, the Sealed Knot undertook its first re-enactment on Barony Fields.”
Meanwhile, St Mary’s Church in Acton organised several events during the day.
An audience of around 130 people listened to local historian Mike Lea talking about the key points of the English Civil War.
Nick and Caroline Harley and Nigel Anderson told how Acton church was used during the siege and led dozens of people on a guided walk to view the battlefields.
The “Battle of Nantwich” happened during the first English Civil War (1642-1646) and was fought between the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers) who were loyal to Charles I.
At the end of 1643, the Royalist Army had secured much of the North West and Cheshire with the exception of Nantwich where, surrounded by Royalists, the Parliamentarian garrison held out under siege.
Namptwiche, as it was then called, was Cheshire’s second major town and very important due to its strategic position on the road to Chester.
A Parliamentarian force under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax (1612-71) advanced from Lincolnshire to relieve the town.
This army engaged the Royalists in the Henhull area to the west and defeated them in the Battle of Namptwiche.
As Fairfax’s forces marched on Acton, Col Richard Gibson deployed four Royalist regiments of infantry to meet them.
The Royalists fell back to Acton Church where Col Gibson surrendered to Fairfax.
Many of the Officers took refuge in Acton church and were also taken prisoner after surrendering.
The battle took place on 25th January 1644 and it was a Parliamentarian victory.
To celebrate the victory people wore sprigs of holly in their hair and hats.
A representative from St Mary’s Church, Acton said: “The atmosphere at the church was tremendous.
“Mike Lea is a fabulous speaker, and the guided walks were greatly appreciated.
“Tea and hot buttered toast and trips up the tower were welcomed by all involved. Thank you to all who visited Acton on Holly Holy Day.”
The Holly Holy Day Society offers its thanks and appreciation to a number of organisations and individuals, without whose help and generosity the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Nantwich would not be possible.
A-Z of Acknowledgements: Air Cadets 100 (Nantwich) Squadron, ANSA, Charles I, Chatwins Bakery, David Wilson, Domesday Morris Dancers, Ezra and the Plough Witches, Forlorne Hope, Function Event Hire, Johnson’s Printers, Jonathan White, Joseph Heler Cheese, Malbank School, Nantwich Bookshop, Nantwich Buddies, Nantwich Chronicle, Nantwich Food Festival Volunteers, Nantwich Museum, Nantwich Police, Nantwich Show Volunteers, Nantwich Town Council, Paul O’Brien, Paul Boniface, Reaseheath College, Rev Mark Hart, Richard & Anne Penkethman, St Mary’s Bellringers, St Mary’s Church Nantwich, St Mary’s Church Acton, The Nantwich News, The Oddfellow Arms, The Sealed Knot, Wych-Malbank Rotary Club.
Thank you to headline sponsor Whitegates Estate Agents and all other sponsors and advertisers: Applewood Independent, Barnett Jones and Cooke, Bowcock Cuerdon Solicitors, Cheshire East, Hibberts Solicitors, Nantwich Bookshop, Nantwich Town Council, Rare Earth Digital, Rhino Safety, Staffs Solutions Group, Think About IT, UstoreAll, Watts Mortgages.
The Holly Holy Day Committee: Colin Bissett, Graham Fenton, Keith Lawrence, Jo Lowry, Liz Parkin, Michael-John Parkin, Alan Southern, Alex Thompson.
If you would like to join the Holly Holy Day committee and can offer an average of couple of hours a week from July to January, please call Liz on 07886 633 370.
The society are especially keen for volunteers who can support with finance, sponsorship sales, marketing, and operations.
For general information relating to the Battle of Nantwich visit https://www.battleofnantwich.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/battleofnantwich or email [email protected]
(Images of Nantwich parade and battle courtesy of Tony Pennance. Story contribution and images of Acton courtesy of Jonathan White)
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