Bible in One hand, Pistol in the Other — Following the course of the English Civil Wars this tour traverses landscapes, towns and battlefields where the dramatic conflict unfolded. We begin in Oxford, Royalist capital and a city repeatedly besieged, exploring its defences, colleges and the Ashmolean Museum. From here we visit Newbury, scene of two major battles, and the ruins of Basing House, a Royalist stronghold that endured three sieges before falling to Cromwell. Travelling north, we explore Broughton Castle, a centre of Parliamentarian plotting, before continuing to Cropredy Bridge and the battlefield of Edgehill, the first major clash of the war. From our base in Stratford upon Avon we spend a day in Worcester, where Cromwell defeated Charles II in 1651, visiting Powick Bridge, the Commandery and the Cathedral. A full day at Naseby reveals one of the best preserved battlefields in Britain, site of the decisive 1645 victory of the New Model Army over the King’s forces. We then continue to Newark to visit the excellent National Civil War Centre before heading to York for two nights. Here we explore Marston Moor, the battle that broke Royalist power in the north, and finish with a walking tour of York, scene of the pivotal 1644 siege.

Description supplied by the event organiser.