Transport yourself to a bygone era: Malmesbury, the quaint Wiltshire market town, finds itself at the heart of a historic clash between King Charles I’s Cavaliers and Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarians.
The year is 1644, and as Cromwell’s men storm the town, the outcome of the battle hangs in the balance, ultimately resulting in a pivotal victory for the Parliamentarians.
Fast forward 380 years, and Malmesbury prepares to relive this dramatic chapter in its history. From May 3rd to 5th, a special commemorative weekend, organised by the Malmesbury Town Council, will honour the two-year period from 1644 to 1646 when Colonel Nicholas Devereux’s Regiment seized control of the hilltop town during the English Civil War.
Central to the weekend’s festivities are two reenactments on Sunday, May 5th, depicting the climactic attack on Malmesbury. Living history group Colonel Nicholas Devereux’s Regiment of Foot will stage these reenactments, bringing the past to life with authenticity and vigor.
Councillor Campbell Ritchie of Malmesbury town expressed excitement about the reenactments, particularly noting the significance of holding them on the original battleground in the town center. Although there will be no live ammunition this time, the battle promises to deliver an immersive experience, set against the backdrop of the Abbey, bearing scars from the events of 1644.
In addition to the reenactments, the weekend boasts a diverse array of activities celebrating Malmesbury’s role in English Civil War history. Highlights include a talk by Dr. Chris Scott, exploring ‘Wiltshire and Malmesbury in the English Civil War,’ and a military camp set up in the Cloister Gardens and Malmesbury Town Hall. Visitors can expect live demonstrations, music, dancing, and a rare opportunity to view the original Bird’s Eye View map of Malmesbury.
All events are free, with the exception of Dr. Scott’s talk, for which tickets are available for £10. As an added treat, the current Colonel Nicholas Devereux’s Regiment of Foot, celebrating its 50th anniversary, will descend upon Malmesbury in full force, accompanied by Royalist adversaries, adding a dynamic twist to the commemorative weekend.
For more information about the Devereux Weekend, visit the Tourist Information Centre in Malmesbury. Tickets for Dr. Scott’s talk can be purchased at the Town Hall or online at https://www.malmesbury.gov.uk/devereux.
