Thousands of people visited Nantwich as the town marked the 53rd annual Battle of Nantwich ‘Holly Holy Day’ English Civil War re-enactment.
The event, staged in and around the town centre and on Mill Island, was organised by the Holly Holy Day Society.
The group of unpaid volunteers work year-round to bring the historic commemoration to life in partnership with The Sealed Knot re-enactment society.
Holly Holy Day dates back to the 17th century and the First English Civil War between the Parliamentarians and Royalists loyal to King Charles I.
It commemorates the January 1644 Battle of Nantwich, when Parliamentarian forces under Sir Thomas Fairfax broke the Royalist siege of the town.
Nantwich residents famously celebrated the victory by wearing sprigs of holly in their hats – giving the day its name, with “holly” symbolising celebration and “holy” reflecting its religious significance.
Although a relatively small engagement, the battle went on to have far-reaching consequences for the future of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
A packed programme of activities took place throughout the day at St Mary’s Acton, St Mary’s Nantwich, Nantwich Museum, and the town square.
Highlights included prayers and wreath-laying, troop inspections, an artillery display, a town parade and the dramatic battle re-enactment on Mill Island.
St Mary’s Nantwich bell ringers rang out as Sealed Knot troops gathered in the churchyard for inspection, while the Domesday Morris Dancers entertained crowds with lively performances at locations across the town.
Nantwich Museum hosted children’s activities, wargames, an English Civil War exhibition, live 17th-century music from Forlorn Hope and popular guided Battle of Nantwich walking tours.
Several hundred Sealed Knot troops, including four cavalry soldiers on horseback, paraded from Malbank School along Welsh Row and High Street into the town centre.
On arrival, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the war memorial, followed by a formal inspection of troops.
The action then moved to Mill Island, where the January 1644 battle was re-enacted amid the thunder of cannon fire, clashing pikes, musket volleys and clanging swords.
A running commentary helped spectators follow the action and learn more about Civil War battlefield tactics.
At the close of the battle, the Rose Bowl for Best Regiment was awarded to the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote for the fourth year running.
The trophy was presented by Mayor of Nantwich Cllr Mary Slinn to commanding officer David Frederick, accompanied by the Yeoman of the Knot.
The day’s events enjoyed dry weather and attracted several thousand visitors to the town.
Jo Lowry, Chairperson of the Holly Holy Day committee, said: “Holly Holy Day is always a huge team effort, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who makes it possible – our dedicated volunteers, the Sealed Knot, sponsors, local organisations and, of course, the thousands of people who came out to support us.
“Seeing Nantwich come alive with history once again makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
A representative from the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote said they were “over the moon” to receive the Rose Bowl for a fourth consecutive year, praising fellow regiments and thanking organisers for “a fantastic day of marching, singing and fighting”.
The Holly Holy Day Society thanks its sponsors – Nantwich Town Council, Nantwich Museum, Rare Earth Digital and Rhino Safety.
Acknowledgements are also given to the Air Cadets 100 (Nantwich) Squadron, ANSA, Barnett, Jones & Cooke, BSB Sound, Chatwins Bakery, Cheshire East Council, Colliers Cheese, Councillor Mary Slinn – Mayor of Nantwich, Crewe & Nantwich Chronicle, David Foulkes, David Wootton – Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire, Domesday Morris Dancers, Forlorn Hope, Function Event Hire, Johnsons Printers, Malbank School, Nantwich Food Festival, Nantwich Historical Society, Nantwich Museum, Nantwich News, Nantwich Police, Nantwich Town Council, Revd Anne Lawson – St Mary’s Church, Acton, Revd Mark Hart – St Mary’s Church, Nantwich, Staffs Solutions Group, The Bloom Edit, The Oddfellows Arms, The Sealed Knot and Wych-Malbank Rotary.
Next year’s Battle of Nantwich ‘Holly Holy Day’ will take place on Saturday 23rd January 2027.
For information relating to the Battle of Nantwich Holly Holy Day visit: https://www.battleofnantwich.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/battleofnantwich or email [email protected]
(story and images courtesy of Jonathan White)
Great effort everyone always something to look forward to in January
Great day, my first experience of the battel since moving to Nantwich