Battle joined as packhorse bridge celebrates 500 years

ROYALISTS and Parliamentarians will clash again as the Battle of Heptonstall is brought back to life in Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall. A weekend of skirmishes – on July 10 and 11 plus displays – is one of the highlights of the celebrations to mark the 500th year of the old packhorse bridge in Hebden.

The Battle of Heptonstall, organised by Hebden Bridge Local History Society and Lt Col John Lilburne's Regiment of The Sealed Knot, will start with a display of pike and musket drill in St George's Square, Hebden Bridge at 11.15am. At 1.30pm on Saturday and 1.15pm on Sunday, there will be a skirmish at the old bridge; and at 3.30pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday, pike and musket drill, followed by a chance for children to try pike drill in Weaver's Square, Heptonstall.

Troops then march to Heptonstall Social and Bowling Club for a display of musket firing.

During the Civil War, the Royalist army was not being paid or fed well, so the men began to plunder the area, which roused local hostility. The Parliamentarians rallied at Heptonstall under Colonel Bradshaw. The Royalists decided to attack Heptonstall in November 1643. But many were captured, killed or drowned as they were forced back across the swollen Hebden Water.

The Royalists brought in reinforcements and launched another attack in January 1644.

Details of the anniversary events are at www.hebden500.co.uk