Scottish battle blue white Standard Flag at the Battle of Nantwich was fought during the First English Civil War, between the Parliamentarians and Royalists, northwest of the town of Nantwich in Cheshire on 25 January 1644. The Royalists under Lord Byron were besieging Nantwich, and Sir Thomas Fairfax led an army to relieve the town. As Fairfax approached, a sudden thaw caused the River Weaver to rise in spate, dividing Byron's cavalry from his infantry and artillery, who were overrun and destroyed by Fairfax.
The name of this day is “Holly Holy Day”, and it comes from sprigs of Holly worn in the hats of townsfolk following the battle, which actually happened on January 25th. The first English Civil War was playing out, and through December 1643 and January 1644 Nantwich had been besieged by Royalists. During the fourth week of the first month of the new year, Sir Thomas Fairfax was marching with 5,000 Parliamentarians to relieve the siege. Engaging the Royalists west of Nantwich at Acton, the siege was broken, and a decisive victory for the Parliamentarians was gained. The Battle of Nantwich took place in the 17th century, during Civil War in England, when there was a power struggle between Royalists (Cavaliers) and Parliament (Roundheads). The Parliamentarians held Nantwich. The Royalists wanted it, so Lord Byron's army laid siege to the town. After several weeks a Parliamentary army led by Sir Thomas Fairfax arrived, and defeated the Royalists in a battle on 25th January 1644. The relieved citizens of Nantwich named the day Holly Holy Day and celebrated it annually. In recent years, members of the Sealed Knot Society have re-enacted the battle on the Saturday nearest to the 25th January.
Size: 2333px × 3500px
Location: Nantwich, Cheshire, UK
Photo credit: © KeyWorded / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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