Civil war comes to the riverside (From Wiltshire Times)

Civil war comes to the riverside

12:19pm Friday 30th October 2009 in Latest News

Walkers in Barton Farm Country Park in Bradford on Avon were startled to hear the sound of beating drums and marching feet when a company of Civil War militia, members of the Sealed Knot re-enactment society, met there one Sunday morning.

The pikemen – and women – pictured above practiced drill on the path and lawns close to the tithe barn, before the musteteers crossed the river for firing practice in the field next to the railway line.

The enthusiasts, who seemed to mainly represent the Royalists, had come from all over the west country for the meeting, under the command of CO Richard Pearce.

Locals enjoyed watching thr drill, and admiring the ringlets sported by some of the younger men and the costumes of their camp followers.

PHOTOS: Tom Taylor