Latest developments
- September 2008
-
Kelmarsh Hall Battle Display
A display has been installed next to the Tea Rooms at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire. The display provides information on key events in the history of the battlefield and an overview of the battle itself.
Kelmarsh Hall is a convenient starting or finishing point for a Naseby battlefield tour with it’s tea shop and toilet facilities. The house and grounds are open to the public at certain times of the year.
For further information on Kelmarsh Hall visit their website: www.kelmarsh.com
Click on the image for a larger version.
Proposed Windfarm at Kelmarsh
The Naseby Battlefield Project have been approached by objectors to the proposed Windfarm at Kelmarsh. The Trust’s position on this subject is detailed in the attached statement.
Click here for the statementNaseby Battlefield Project Open Weekend
Over the weekend of the 21st and 22nd June the Project opened the recently acquired proposed visitor centre site on Mill Hill to enable local residents to consult with the Trust on it’s proposed plans for the site.
A Marquee with static displays was erected and manned by Trustees and volunteers on the Saturday. Unfortunately a heavy storm that night destroyed the marquee. On the Sunday Trustees met with local visitors and explained the proposed development of the site and showed the magnificent views of the battlefield afforded from this location.
Throughout the weekend members of the Sealed Knot were present with a living history encampment. Cannon fire and musket fire once more reverberated over the landscape and pike and musket drill were displayed at sometimes very close quarters. Unfortunately the Sealed Knot also suffered from the strong winds on the Saturday night losing two tents.
The NBP would like to thank the Sealed Knot for their splendid support and all those that came to visit us on Mill Hill. We hope to be able to hold further events on Mill Hill in the future, hopefully in calmer weather.
Click on the image for a larger version.
Naseby Day Conference at Kelmarsh Hall, 29 June 2008
The critical importance of the battle of Naseby was underlined by a recent University of Leicester conference held at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire, just two miles from the battlefield. Proceedings were attended by 70 delegates from a wide range of backgrounds, including academic historians, archaeologists, archivists, librarians, education officers, re-enactors and amateur historians. There were three presentations in the morning reflecting a variety of new inter-disciplinary approaches to the battle, then luncheon, followed by a very successful battlefield coach tour, afternoon tea and closing lecture.
A full report by the organizer Professor Andrew Hopper is available in the accompanying PDF file.
Click here for the Report.NBP acquires sword from the battle of Naseby – 3rd June 2008
A sword very similar to one recovered from Henry VIII’s flagship The Mary Rose has been donated to the Naseby Battlefield Project.
Thought to have been found at Naseby by Mr. Charles Meller it was passed down to his son Hugh whose wife could not find a home for it and put it up for sale on ebay. Peter Burton, a Trustee of the Naseby Battlefield Project, purchased it to add to the Naseby artifact collection. On hearing of its destination Mrs. Meller refunded Peter’s payment feeling the sword could not have found a better home.
The sword is thought to date back to the mid 16th century and is an early basket hilt type. The blade has been broken with the tip missing. It is tempting to think this happened during the battle and the sword was then discarded by it’s owner.
Click on the image for a larger version.
New Interpretation Boards
The Naseby Battlefield Trail has been improved with the addition of new Interpretation Boards on the northern area of the battlefield.
An interpretation board is now sited overlooking the line of the Royalist retreat to Moot Hill with the hedge on the northern side of the ride laid to give a clear view of the terrain and line of retreat.
Click on the image for a larger version.
A few hundred metres to the east another board has been installed at which there is a view to Wadborough, site of the Royalist’s last stand and to the ROC viewpoint.
Click on the image for a larger version.
At the ROC viewpoint wooden decking has been installed within the brick observation post and an interpretation board installed describing the Royalists last stand at Wadborough and the infamous attack on the women of the Royalist baggage train.
Click on the image for a larger version.
Within the village of Naseby a general introductory interpretation board has been placed within the gardens of the Fitzgerald Arms close to the Village Store.
Click on the image for a larger version.
Sealed Knot celebrate their 40th Anniversary at Kelmarsh Hall
To celebrate 40 years of the Sealed Knot the country’s leading Civil War reenactment Society recreated the battle of Naseby at Kelmarsh Hall over the bank holiday weekend of the 3rd – 5th May.
Almost 2000 members of the SK took to the field in one of the largest reenactments staged in this country. The SK presented the weekend in association with the NBP in order to raise awareness of the work being undertaken at Naseby.
More than 4000 members of the public visited Kelmarsh during the weekend to see the battle, experience the living history provided by the SK and learn about the work of the NBP.
Press coverage is available in the media section of this website.
Click on the image for a larger version.
Richard Putt
Chairman
