Marching into battle (From York Press)

Marching into battle

8:49am Monday 30th June 2008 in

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A MARCH took place at the weekend to mark the 364th anniversary of a battle which marked a major turning point in the English Civil War.

The Battle Of Marston Moor march yesterday was organised by The Sealed Knot, the historical association that re-enacts battles and events from the 1642 to 1646 conflict in costume.

It started at the Boot And Shoe pub in Tockwith at 2.30pm, arriving at the memorial at about 3pm.

People from all over the country attended with colours flying, drums beating and muskets at the ready.

After a short service there was a minute’s silence to remember the dead and then a cannon was fired. Before the battle on July 2, 1644, the Covenanters and Parliamentarians had been besieging York, which was defended by the Marquess of Newcastle. Prince Rupert had gathered an army to relieve the city, gathering fresh recruits on the way.

The convergence of these forces made the ensuing battle the largest of the war.