1646 Battle of Torrington commemorative march success

HISTORY was brought to life for the annual 1646 Battle of Torrington commemorative march on Saturday.

HISTORY was brought to life for the annual 1646 Battle of Torrington commemorative march on Saturday.

The sound of drums boomed around Torrington as the town went back in time to commemorate an epic historical battle.

People gathered to remember those who fought and died in the last major battle of the English Civil War in 1646.

The torch-lit procession followed the streets where 17,000 men fought. The battle ended when the church exploded, destroying much of the town. The Royalists had used the church as a gunpowder store.

Charity fundraising group the Torrington Cavaliers have organised the annual march for 16 years.

More than 100 people from the town joined in the march which ended up in Torrington square for the proclamation.

Chairman of the cavaliers Steve Young said: “The march was lead by cavaliers carrying flaming torches, followed by members of the Sealed Knot and Torrington towns folk with children carrying celebration candles.

“The march gathered in the square to hear a reading of the original proclamation delivered on the night of the original battle in 1646, read by Al Mitchell the town crier.”

A wreath was laid on the mound in the churchyard marking the grave of the Royalist soldiers, killed on the night of the battle.

The event was rounded off by a fireworks display in South Street car park by Two Tigers Fireworks.

Steve said it was important for the cavaliers to commemorate the event.

He said: “Not only because it is important to the history of the town but the original battle was a significant milestone in the English Civil war.

“It marked the end of the Royalist resistance in the West Country and their eventual defeat to Cromwell’s army.”

Steve said there was a good atmosphere at this year’s event. He said: “Many things contributed to a great atmosphere on the night.

“The number of people who turn out to march, line the route into town and watch the events in the square.

“Seeing the young ones carrying their torches and the spectacle in the square with the Sealed Knot and Cavaliers carrying the burning torches.”