Events

Talk - The Fortification and later Siege of St. Michael's Church, Highworth, 1644-1645

Wednesday 24th March 2027

St. Michael’s church, Highworth (the highest town in Wiltshire) was fortified and garrisoned by royalist forces from late 1644. On 14 June 1645 the parliamentarian New Model Army, led by Sir Thomas Fairfax, won it first major action at the battle of Naseby, stormed Leicester on the 18 and then advance towards the West Country via Highworth.

The church garrison, under Major Henn, attempted to resist the overwhelming force of the advancing parliamentarian army on 27 June. During the resulting siege at least one culverin cannon was discharged against the church leaving a mark still visible today and a cannon ball of the appropriate size remains within the church which local legend claims to be the very one that impacted the tower!

The talk, by Battlefields Trust member Clive Hollick, includes details of the events that led up to the fight, an assessment of the fortification of the church, its associated garrison, the siege, aftermath and more.

Date:               24 March 2027

Time:               Doors open 18:45hrs. Event commences at 19:30hrs

Location:         St. Michael’s church, 34 High Street, Highworth SN6 7NA.

Cost:                £3 (cash at the door)

For further information.

• Contact name : Highworth Historical Society
• Contact email : tickets@highworthhistoricalsociety.org.uk