Wimborne is set to travel back in time with a spectacular reenactment of a 17th-century battle, highlighting the town’s historical significance during the English Civil War. From 25th to 27th May, the English Civil War Society (ECWS) will bring over 600 members to recreate ‘The Battle for Wimborne,’ featuring foot soldiers, cavalry, and a military camp at Julians Bridge. The event promises a Hollywood-like spectacle with elaborate costumes, artillery, and galloping horses, encapsulating the intense struggle that existed between Royalist Wimborne and Roundhead Poole.
The reenactment will culminate in two large battles on the 26th and 27th, pitting the Roundheads against the Royalists in a dramatic clash for control.
Alongside the battles, Minster Green will also be filled with action – experience the riot that broke out in Wimborne Minster church, causing the Earl of Shaftesbury to send in troops.
The event aims to educate and entertain, bringing history alive through living history displays depicting life in the 17th century. Visitors can see basket making, weaving, dyeing, food preparation, music, printing, writing, needlework, embroidery, woodturning and paper making, get advice from an apothecary, discuss battle scars with a surgeon or bump into a busybody laundry woman!
It’s an opportunity to interact with history, and to understand both the military and civilian aspects of the English Civil War.
An exhibition at The Museum of East Dorset, From Revolt to Rebellion, will extend the historical journey, depicting Wimborne’s transformation from the Civil War through the Restoration to the Monmouth Rebellion.
The free, not-for-profit event is a collaboration between the ECWS and the Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Town Council, Dorset County Council, The Minster, local schools and Wimborne BID.
