Development Officer Press Release
12th May 2009
The Battlefields Trust is pleased to announce the appointment for two years of a Development Officer – Julian Humphrys – to work on battlefield heritage at risk and to build the capacity of the Trust and supported by English Heritage. Please follow the link to see the full press release.
http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/faq/periodpageview.asp?pageid=823

Development Officer Vacancy
16th April 2009
Please note that this position has now been filled.

Battlefields Trust Development Officer
15th December 2008
The Battlefields Trust has a vacancy for a Development Officer. Please visit the link below for more information.
http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/battlefieldsuk/periodpageview.asp?pageid=842

Naseby - Kelmarsh Hall - Proposed Wind Farm
3rd November 2008
The Trust is currently undertaking a metal detecting survey on the site of the proposed wind farm on the Kelmarsh Hall estate which will be supervised by our Project Officer, Dr Glenn Foard of the University Of Leeds. The work is due to be completed by 31 January 2009 and will seek to determine whether the proposed wind farm site encompasses part of the Naseby battlefield. The Trust has previously stated its opposition in principle to wind farm development adjacent to the battlefield. This is because the Trust is opposed to any development that would be prejudicial to an historic sky-line or would distract from interpreting the landscape. Where such a development is actually on the site of conflict, there is then an additional cause for objection. If such a development would destroy archaeological resource, the Trust would oppose it as strongly as possible. The exact level of the Trust's concern will be clarified by the outcome of the survey and by any eventual proposal as and when submitted.

Formal Opening of Evesham Battlefield Trail
15th July 2008
On August 2nd 2008 (Saturday) the Simon de Montfort Society (a member of the Battlefields Trust) will be formally opening the Evesham battlefield trail and the Battlewell conservation area on Greenhill, Evesham. These relate to the 1265 battle, although the 1645 battle covered much of the same terrain. The Simon de Montfort Society has secured the 4 acres round where Simon de Montfort is reputed to have died on August 4th 1265 and have converted it into a conservation area to be maintained free of building work etc. The society is carrying out non-invasive investigations of this portion of the battlefield. The trail is a new venture and the society hopes to be able to open up more of the battlefield in future. The Simon de Montfort Room at the Almonry Heritage Centre in Evesham is nearing the culmination of its refurbishment (it had not been updated since the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Archbishop of Canterbury dedicated it in 1967). The Vale of Evesham Historical Society has recently produced a DVD of the Battle of Evesham to whet the appetite of visitors to the Almonry, now on display.

Naseby wind turbine threat?
2nd December 2007
The Battlefields Trust has learned that E-ON is investigating the possibility of selecting a site for wind turbines close to the registered battlefield of Naseby in Northamptonshire. They are looking to develop 7 or 8 turbines on the south side of the A14 at Tallyho Covert within two miles of the Naseby battlefield. Typically, the turbines would have a hub height of around 70m and a blade diameter of 90m (ie they would stand to a maximum height of 135m, and would be at about the 170m contour and visible from across the registered battlefield). At present E-ON are only scoping; it is hoped that they will not proceed with a formal planning application now they know about the affect on the historic environment assets. Both English Heritage and the Battlefields Trust have objected to this site being used.

Battlefield Custodians
2nd August 2007
Trustees are currently considering a scheme to have 'battlefield custodians' to maintain a watching brief on their local battlefield(s), to be the main point of contact for those interested in a given battlefield and to be the local 'expert'. As a minimum a 'battlefield custodian' would need to be willing to receive email or telephone contact from people who are interested in the battlefield, and especially anyone who is concerned about developments that may affect it. The role can be developed into providing tours of the site, or writing features in the local newspaper. To become a 'battlefield custodian' you will need to be a member of the Battlefields Trust and to have excellent understanding of the battlefield(s) in question. The scheme is being developed at present, but if you are interested in becoming a 'battlefield custodian' at this stage, please contact Christopher Jolly at chris@jollylearning.co.uk

Colditz Castle under threat
30th May 2007
The Battlefields Trust has heard that plans are afoot whichwould badly damage the surviving parts of Oflag IVC at Colditz Castle, the infamous prisoner of war camp used during the Second World War. Further detail sof the campaign to prevent this development can be found via the web-link.
www.ColditzCastle.net

Battle of Fulford Inquiry outcome
10th May 2007
The probable site of the battle of Fulford is to be the site of several hundred houses and an access road, following the publication today of the decision by the Secretary of State, who is following recommendations made by the Inspector of last year's public inquiry. The Inspector finds no clear evidence to suggest that the application site is likely to be that of the battle. Further archaeological work will have to be carried out as the development proceeds.

Radio 4's 'Today' Programme
17th January 2007
Frank Baldwin, London & south-east Branch Co-ordinator of the Battlefields Trust, was interviewed on the 'Today' programme on BBC Radio 4. The interview concerned the rights and wrongs of metal-detecting on battlefields. Use the link to listen again to the interview.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/

Cropredy Bridge potential threat
20th December 2006
Land just to the East of the bridge at Cropredy (1644), in what is a Greenfield site opposite the village playing field, has been ear-marked by Banbury & North Cherwell District Council as a possible site for housing, in its recently published Supplemental Consultation. The District Council invited comments on the suitability of this site for housing, the deadline for which was 22nd December 2006. The Battlefields Trust has lodged an official objection to this potential scheme as it would inevitably cause damage to the archaeology of the battlefield, as well as seriously compromising the visual integrity of this key part of the battlefield. The proposal site lies within the registered battlefield, as defined by English Heritage in ‘the Register of Historic Battlefields’ (1995) and provides a visual link between the bridge at Cropredy, with its new Battlefields Trust interpretation panel and the low hills on which stands the village of Wardington, along which the King’s army marched at the start of the battle. There was also fighting over this site at various points of the battle, the details of which could hopefully be confirmed by detailed professional battlefield archaeology.

Bothwell Bridge Battlefield Threat
9th December 2007
The Battlefields Trust is objecting to a proposed housing development on part of the battlefield of Bothwell Bridge, 1679. Although much of the site of the action is already developed or disturbed by development, the potential for interpretation and commemoration (in addition to the current memorial) exists. There is also potential for important archaeological evidence of the action to be recovered in the remaining open areas of the battlefield, including the proposed development site, as has been demonstrated by a recent archaeological survey. This was carried out subsequent to the Battlefields Trust’s report on the battlefield (available as a download at our resource-centre: see the link) and shows that archaeological evidence of the battle does exist to the north of the bridge, in the area where the Royalist forces assembled, formed battle-lines and probably opened fire. This is where the proposed housing development is planned. The Battlefields Trust urges that what remains relatively unspoilt of this historically significant site remains so and the development proposal is turned down. If this is not the case, the very least that should be done is for the development to be put on hold while a thorough archaeological investigation can be carried out by experienced battlefield archaeologists. It is hoped that instead, on-site interpretation of the battle in which the Covenanter rebellion of 1679 was defeated by royalist forces, can be provided.
http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/stuart-rebellions/battleview.asp?BattleFieldId=58

Beauly Denny Powerline Battlefield Threat
1st December 2006
An application has been made for a power transmission line from Beauly to Denny, which en route will cross the battlefield of Sherriffmuir. The Battlefields Trust is among the objectors to this proposal. A series of Public Inquiries will be held during 2007 to decide the issue.

Edgehill to Edgcote Trail
24th June 2006
The Edgehill to Edgcote trail via Cropredy Bridge has been officially opened by Trust President, Prof. Richard Holmes on 24th June. The event included a panel unveiling at Kineton churchyard and an afternoon of lectures on recent work relating to the battle of Edgehill. A leaflet has been produced to cover the trail, which is available from the on-line Battlefield Resource Centre.

Fulford Public Inquiry
1st June 2006
The Battlefields Trust will be giving evidence to the Public Inquiry on Germany Beck on 19th July, where it is proposed that several hundred houses will be built, to be served by an access road which cuts across the probable site of the battle of Fulford (1066.) This is arguably the least changed battlefield of the those from 1066 (Stamford Bridge and Hastings being the other two) and therefore, should in the view of the Battlefields Trust be preserved for further investigation once methodologies for battlefield archaeology have developed, and for better on-site interpretation which would provide a more fitting memorial to those who fought than the bricks and tarmac of a housing estate.

Azincourt wind turbines
28th December 2005
‘The Second Battle of Agincourt’ is won - THE DAY IS OURS, writes Don Baggs, who first alerted the Battlefields Trust and others to this threat to the historic battlefield. Thierry Yverneau of Azincourt, who initiated and led the intervention in France against the construction of a Wind Farm very close to the Battlefield of Agincourt, advises as follows :- “On Tuesday 20th December 2005 the senior official of S.I.I.F. Energy responsible for the project visited my home to officially announce the final withdrawal of plans to install Wind Turbines at Azincourt. He advised the reasons for his company’s decision were twofold; firstly the close proximity of the Turbines to a very important Historic Site and secondly to preserve good relations with the English people and Associations who were against the project. S.I.I.F. Energy also advised that M. Boulet, the Mayor of Azincourt, regretfully accepts the withdrawal of the project in his commune. We celebrate our victory with our English friends, the more so because this victory in ‘The Second Battle of Agincourt’ was gained together, as friends !” Grateful thanks for this victory must of course go to Thierry Yverneau and Patrick Fenet in Azincourt but also to those on this side of the Channel who have freely given their name, time, energy, and in several notable cases put their reputation on the line, in support of this worthy cause. Particular thanks to my colleague David Williams, to Robert Hardy for his unbridled enthusiasm and inexhaustible energy, Professor Anne Curry, Professor Ralph Griffiths, Professor Richard Holmes, Michael Rayner of The Battlefields Trust, Sue White Ex-Mayor of Monmouth, Barbara Wright, Andrew Helm, Tom Foy Champion Archer, Sue Millward and the countless numbers who signed or emailed their support from 14 countries spread throughout all 5 continents. May the next generations continue to enjoy the peace, tranquillity and serenity of this important ‘untouched’ historical site and learn more of this important era in Anglo / French / Welsh heritage at The Centre Medieval Historique in the village of Azincourt. The above was submitted as a press release and 'thank-you' from Don Baggs.

Fulford Planning Inquiry
20th September 2005
News has just come through that there will be a Public Inquiry into the planning application to build c.500 houses and access roads on the battlefield of Fulford (1066.) The Battlefields Trust, alongside the Fulford Battlefield Society will make representations to the Inspector of the Inquiry. This important battlefield, on the edge of York is still largely unspoilt, unlike the nearby and better known battlefield of Stamford Bridge, which was lost to housing in the 1970s-1990s. Anyone wishing to register their concerns and objections should write to: FAO Mrs Hazel Conibere, The Planning Inspectorate, 3/17 Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN. The ref number is 01/01315/OUT

Cropredy panel unveiled
June 2005
The Battlefield Trust's new interpretation panel, part of the Edgcote to Edgehill battlefield trail project, was unveiled on Sunday 26th June 2005. Follow the link to see pictures of the even and the new panel.
http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/civil-war/battlepageview.asp?pageid=651

Salamanca under threat
25th April 2005
Part of the battlefield of Salamanca (1812) or Los Arapiles is under threat from a proposed major upgrading of a road across the centre of the battlefield. This will go through part of the area designated as an area of special protection by the local authorities.

Bosworth wins lottery grant
21st January 2005
As widely reported in the national media, Leicestershire County Council's Bosworth Battlefield Centre has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of nearly 1 million pounds. This will be used in part to investigate the location of the battlefield: work which was carried out as a feasibility study and report by Glenn Foard, on 'loan' from the Battlefields Trust in late 2003. Once the work is completed the Battlefield Visitor Centre's displays and interpretation will be modified to take into account any new findings. At this stage it appears that work on locating the battlefield will focus largely on the site favoured by Peter Foss's work.

Battlefield of Aughrim under threat
15th January 2005
The Battlefields Trust has been alerted by archaeologists in Ireland that the battlefield of Aughrim (1691) is under threat from a proposed motorway. If constructed as planned, this road will cut through the flank positions of the armies as they would have deployed. Representations will be made to the appropriate authorities in an attempt to stop this development.

Earl Spencer to talk to the Battlefields Trust
23rd October 2004
Earl Spencer is to give a talk and sign copies of his new book, 'Blenheim: battle for Europe' at the Assembly House, Norwich on Saturday, 23rd October at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £10.00 and include light refreshments. Further details from Anne-Marie Hayek on 01603 664021.
http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/events/

Worcester battlefield under threat
3rd September 2004
The battlefield of Worcester (1651) is one of only 43 fully registered battlefields in England, yet an important part of it is under threat from a housing development. This will affect the Bunn's Hill part of the registered battlefield, from where Cromwell sited artillery to cover his bridge of boats across the river Severn. The Battlefields Trust has objected to proposals to alter this important part of the battlefield and has urged the local authority to improve visitor access to this part of the site.

Heritage of Britain first day covers
1st September 2004
The Veterans Charities Consortium are releasing a series of First Day Covers to commemorate famous battles in Britain: Maldon (991), Stamford Bridge (1066), Hastings (1066), Northallerton (1138), Lewes (1264), Evesham (1265), Stirling Bridge (1297), Falkirk (1298) and Bannockburn (1314). The first three are already available at prices ranging from £6.50 (standard) to £19.95 (with replica coin and signature of the Queen's Remembrancer.) For further details contact Group Captain W.S.O. Randle at 60 Shelvers Way, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 8QF.

A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD HOLMES
4th August 2004
A message from Richard Holmes, the new President of The Battlefields Trust
http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/faq/periodpageview.asp?pageid=523

THE EDGEHILL SURVEY
25th July 2004
The Battlefields Trust, working in partnership with the local community, has just begun a major new survey on the battlefield of Edgehill, Warwickshire, the first great battle of the Civil War (23rd October 1642). The project is grant aided by the Local Heritage Initiative, has the cooperation of the landowner (the Ministry of Defence) and the assistance of the County Council and Portable Antiquities Scheme. Over the next two years the Trust will be investigating the history and archaeology of the battle and battlefield.
http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/resource-centre/civil-war/battlepageview.asp?pageid=500

BATTLEFIELD BRITAIN
6th August 2004
Major new BBC TV series on British battlefields starts on 6th August with a programme about Boudicca's last battle. Martin Marix Evans, one of our Trustees, was involved in this first programme so tune in and see if Martin makes an appearance!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/battlefield_britain/