Hundreds enjoy re-enactment of historic battle in Warrington

The Battle of Winwick took place in 1648 between a Scottish army and the English Parliamentarian forces led by Oliver Cromwell.

At the Open Heritage Weekend event at St Oswald’s Church on Saturday and Sunday, this important battle was recreated, helping shed a new light on how the church was turned from a place of worship and sanctuary into a prison.

Members of the Battle of Winwick Society dressed as Scottish soldiers in period costume and put weapons, including muskets and pikes, on display.

Food showcasing the soldier’s staple diet of oats, biscuits and fruit were on laid out on a table.

Visitors could take a look at weapons and food that the soldiers would have had (Image: Dave Gillespie)

“We formed the society in 2003 as we though it important that the battle was recognised as in the past little was known about it,” said Paul Wright, society chairman.

“We have now had it officially registered by Historic England and it is the best-preserved site of the civil war in that era.

“We will be working toward getting a monument and information boards erected there.”

Visitors as St Oswald’s Sunday morning service were led by revered Pat Gray in remembrance of all the soldiers that died in the battle, 1,000 of which were Scottish.

Around 400 people attended the event over the weekend (Image: Dave Gillespie)

“St Oswald’s Church by the battle ground was taken over by Cromwell’s troops and used for some months as both a prison, a base and a shelter for the sick and wounded,” said Paul.

“Lancashire was left in a terrible state after the battles of Preston and Winwick. Towns and villages had been pillaged and ravaged by soldiers seeking food and money.

“Parliament set up a committee to investigate the outcome and aid was given to the country. As for the Scottish prisoners, most were allowed home, but those who had been leaders in the fighting were shipped to Barbados and Italy for seven years work servitude.”

Around 400 people visited the church over the weekend for the re-enactment that took place between 10am to 4pm on Saturday, and 11am until 3pm on Sunday.