The Great Torrington Cavalier March/Battle of Torrington Commemoration March 2008

A free event, everyone is welcome.

After a very successful event last year, we shall once again commemorate the battle of Torrington on Saturday 16th February 2008.

For those of you who may not know, the battle was the last major battle of the first English Civil war involving approximately 17,000 men; it is also significant in that it was fought at night and within the streets of the town itself. At the end of the battle the church, which the Royalists had used as a powder store, exploded; the church was destroyed along with much of the town. A commemorative wreath for those who were killed in the church will be laid upon the mass grave as part of the procession.

Come and join us, it will be cold, it may be wet, but please join in with this unique event. The procession is torchlit through the very streets where the battle took place; torches will be available on the night. We are hoping to have a musket competition during the afternoon in the gardens of “Torrington 1646” and other activities laid on by the Sealed Knot Society.

There will be free entry to the Torrington 1646 experience all day so come and have some fun and see what we do to bring our history to life. A range of locally produced food and drinks will be available all day including burgers, soup, sandwiches and hot drinks. A licensed bar will also be open from midday

Timetable:

14:00 - Musket competition @ 1646 (detail to be confirmed)
19:00 - Musket volley, march leaves Great Torrington school
19:20 - Musket volley, wreath laying and proclamation in town square
19:45 - Free hot drinks from the 1646 Cafe
Musketry and fireworks in South Street car park
20:30 - Retire in good order to the ale house