| History in Action 2002 -
'Battle of Kirby Farm' (1) |
The battle of Naseby on 14 June 1645 was the first test of strength for Sir
Thomas Fairfax's New Model Army. It produced a devastating defeat for the
Royalists which in turn decided the outcome of the First Civil War. The
battle, between 12,000 Royalists and 15,000 Parliamentarians, at
first went badly for Fairfax.but the resolve of his men held and eventually the
Royalists were pushed back over two miles in a disorderly retreat before making
a final stand. As the survivors scattered, Fairfax ordered his men
to pursue the remains of the Royalist army and utterly destroy it. It is
this final stage of the pursuit that the English Civil War Society recreated in
dramatic fashion at the English
Heritage spectacular - History In Action 2002 - at Kirby Hall.
A small village was re-created on the site. Here, a small body of
Royalist troops took shelter after the battle to try to rest and
recuperate. But they were spotted by a small scouting party of
Parliamentary troops who reported their position to the rest of their
column.
For the rest of the story - see below!
For further information on the battle of Naseby click HERE.
