Events to mark 375 years since Battle of Worcester

Worcester is holding a series of events across the year to mark the 375th anniversary of a battle that defined its history.

The Battle of Worcester took place on 3 September 1651, the final clash of the English Civil War.

Events across the year include historical talks, re-enactments and family activities at the Commandery and other museums.

"It's important to recognise the end of the war, because it had gone on for so long, it caused so much heartache and it fundamentally changed the way that we were ruled," said councillor Adrian Gregson, heritage champion for Worcester City Council.

The English Civil War lasted from 1642 to 1651.

Despite the name, it was a much wider conflict also involving Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

The Battle of Worcester took place in September 1651- It was the final battle of the English Civil War.

After his Royalist forces were defeated by Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians, Charles II escaped.

He sought refuge at Boscobel House in Shropshire, where he hid in a nearby oak tree to avoid capture.

"It ushered in a republic under Cromwell, and of course that's the only time that we have been as a country without a monarch," Gregson said.

"The significance of this battle is that it caused that hiatus, and it caused a whole host of political, social, philosophical developments in that 10-year period, that we can look back on and celebrate.

"I think it's very important that we recognise that the mid 17th century was a time of great upheaval, havoc, chaos, death, destruction... also a lot of advances as well, advances in medical science, the role of women and all sorts of things like that."

Events are taking place at various museum sites in the city - including the Commandery, Tudor House Museum, The Hive, and the city Cathedral.

• 14 March: Dr Sharon Young examines beauty, fashion and cosmetics of the period

• Until 15 May: The City of Worcester in the 17th Century, a free display revealing Worcester's social history through archive materials

• 15 May: The Battle of Worcester – Behind the Scenes Tour - see original documents and archaeological finds linked to the battle

• 16 May and 19 September: 17th-Century Papercutting Workshop

• 25 May: Oak Apple Day

"You can see Civil War reenactors, shooting, pike and cannon drills, there's also a royal carriage trail for the children to come and find," said Megan Keary, learning officer with Museums Worcestershire.

• 20 June: Battle wound Treatment During the English Civil War - medical historian Kevin Goodman demonstrates surgical techniques used before antiseptics and antibiotics

• 12 July: The Civil Wars in 100 Objects - Prof Andrew Hopper explores how objects reveal stories of conflict, religion and political change

• 10 August to 28 September: The Battle of Worcester Exhibition - a chance to view documents and archaeological discoveries that shed light on 3 September 1651

• 30 August: English Civil War Fiction - author Charles Cordell discusses historical fiction inspired by the 17th century, followed by a Q&A session and signing

• 3 September: Commemorative Parade and Drumhead Service from Worcester City Centre to Fort Royal Park to honour those who fought and died in and around Worcester during the English Civil War

• 5 September: The Last Battle - a commemoration of the deciding battle in the former Royalist Headquarters

• 24 October: Ghosts and Apparitions in the English Civil War - Prof Darren Oldridge explores reports of visions and spectral armies during the conflict

"We really want people to come and visit," said Gregson.

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