|
Battle of Stamford Hill 16th May 1643 |
|
Each year the battle of Stratton is re-enacted by members of the Sealed Knot Society to keep the traditions of the English Civil Wars alive, they re-enact many of the major battles across the UK. In the mid 16th century Britain was divided into the Royalists, who supported King Charles, and the Parliamentarians, who supported the rights of parliament. Cornwall was committed to the Royalists until a large Roundhead army crossed the Tamar to invade the county under the command of the Earl of Stamford, who barricaded himself on a hill close to Stratton. He had 5,400 infantry, 200 horses, a great mortar and 13 cannons. The Royalists leaders, Sir Bevil Grenville and Sir Ralph Hopton had only 2,400 foot soldiers and 500 horsemen. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
"Hedgehogs" of Royalists pike men moved in for the attack with light artillery and fire support musketeers, and the fight moved to and fro until the cavaliers had all but used up their ammunition. At this moment they put their trust in the cold steel (swords). Victory was won by Grenville as the silent march struck terror in the Roundheads. Hopton's men took took 1,700 prisoners, 13 cannons, weapons, gunpowder, ammunition and plenty of provisions, as the rest of the Parliamentarians fled leaving 300 dead. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Cornwall was
saved The hill is now called Stamford Hill |
 |
| STAMFORD WOODS |
| Photographs by © Anna Marrie and Jake Callum May 2008 |