29/01/17<br /> <br /> It was more 'mud sweat and tears' than 'blood sweat and tears' as seven hundred Sealed Knot 'soldiers' reenact the Battle of Nantwich, in on a damp field next to the the river Weaver in Nantwich, Cheshire.<br /> <br /> The day is known as Holly Holy Day, after the townsfolk wore sprigs of holly in their hats to celebrate the lifting of the siege in 1644 - it is said this is where the word 'holiday' originates.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> The Parliamentarian victory halted a run of Royalist successes in the area, and was a major setback to King Charles I's plan of campaign for the year.<br /> <br /> <br /> All Rights Reserved F Stop Press Ltd. (0)1773 550665 www.fstoppress.com
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