Boroughbridge is set to mark the 700th anniversary of a historic battle in the town with a major programme of events.
Battlefield tours and medieval weapons demonstrations will form part of the commemorations for the Battle of Boroughbridge, which took place on March 16, 1322.
The battle, between Edward II and his cousin the Earl of Lancaster, who was in collusion with the Scots, featured several thousand soldiers. The majority supported the king.
A small army of retreating rebels under Lancaster’s control attempted to negotiate a truce but when this failed a one-sided battle resulted in the surrender and subsequent execution of Lancaster.
Thirty of Lancaster’s followers were executed, including Roger de Clifford, Second Lord of Skipton, who was hung from Clifford’s Tower in York, which now bears his name.
The bridge at Boroughbridge, which is believed to be more or less in the same place as the medieval one where part of the battle took place.
The battle raged around a timber bridge crossing the River Ure and a ford, believed to be to the east of the present town, possibly in the Milby area.
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This year’s programme will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the battle cross in Aldborough at 9.30am on Saturday, March 12.
The battle cross at Aldborough
Later that day the 3 Swords Medieval Group will demonstrate weaponry skills and armour on the shared community space behind Boroughbridge car park.
The Battlefields Trust and Boroughbridge Historical Society will lead tours and battle exhibitions.
A new series of medieval artwork will be incorporated into display boards and leaflets for a permanent battlefield trail.
Further commemorative events to mark the anniversary will take place throughout the year.
Did you know that the Stray Ferret has teamed up with Harrogate Historian Malcolm Neesam to produce audio walking tours of Harrogate? The walks are sponsored by the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) and take you back to the Golden Age of the Harrogate Spa and a walk through the Commercial Heart of Harrogate.
Why not take a walk back in time and learn about Harrogate’s glorious past.. They’re easy to do and a great day out. For more information click here.
