Objectives

Richard HolmesIt is logical that a site of such importance is commemorated and preserved . The Civil War was fought for ideals which were important. People died for what they believed in and it shaped the way we now are. It is important that it is remembered and that something is in place for the future that captures the battle's significance.

Professor Richard Holmes, President of the Battlefields Trust.

Our Mission is:

  • Through the Battlefield of Naseby, to excite people about the past, inspire and help them to learn more about the events and ideas that have shaped England and, through that learning, come to a greater understanding of the present.
  • To preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources associated with the Battlefield of Naseby and the landscape in which it lies.

Our Immediate Goals are:

  • Through partnerships with landowners to provide access to and interpretation of the Battlefield.
  • To create the Naseby Battlefield Tour with viewpoints, interpretation boards, walks and parking facilities.
  • To publish information that can be used to enable visitors to explore the landscape and gain a better understanding of the events that took place here in 1645.
  • To enable the history of this landscape both as a battlefield and as a natural environment to be used as an educational resource.

Our Longer Term Goals are:

  • To build and maintain a state of the art visitor centre to provide for the orientation, comfort and on-going inspiration and learning of visitors.
  • As far as possible, to return the landscape around the visitor centre to the conditions that existed at the time of the battle helping to provide a multi-sensory link between visitors and the soldiers and citizens who took part in, were affected by and witnessed the English Civil War and the Battle of Naseby.
  • To assemble under one roof artefacts and memorabilia from various scattered collections, to provide display space for exhibits currently held in store at other sites and to assemble a comprehensive library and research resource for students of the English Civil War. A number of contemporary first editions have already been acquired by the Project team and a recent legacy has contributed various standard works to the book collection. The Royal Armouries have undertaken to assist in the creation of an 'English Civil War Gallery and Study Centre', within the Visitor Centre.
  • To present interpretations, exhibits and activities that not only enhance visitors' understanding, but also excite, engage and inspire. These will offer to new generations access to the study of the causes of the English Civil War and the social changes to which it led. They will facilitate understanding of the principles, tactics and practicalities of 17th century warfare. Broader themes will include rural life, religious beliefs and ethnic differences and how they compare to those of the modern world.