In 1651, the Battle of Worcester brought the English Civil Wars to a dramatic close.
Now, 375 years on, Worcester and Worcestershire is marking the anniversary with a programme of events, exhibitions and living history experiences that explore the stories, places and people connected to this defining moment.
From large-scale re-enactments to expert talks and hands-on workshops, this is your guide to commemorating the anniversary across Worcester and the wider county. Planning a cultural break in Worcestershire? There’s no better time to discover the county’s 17th-century heritage.
Oak Apple Day and Royal Carriage Trail
Monday 25 May (10am–4pm) | Trail runs Friday 22 – Sunday 31 May | The Commandery
Mark the restoration of the crown during May half term with a family-friendly day of living history. Oak Apple Day commemorates the return of Charles II to the throne in 1660.
Expect musket firing, pike drills and expert talks on Bank Holiday Monday. Throughout half term, follow a trail of decorated miniature carriages and create your own Oak Apple mobile to take home.
Usual admission applies, plus £3.50 for trail and activity bag.
The Sealed Knot at Hartlebury Castle
Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 July (11am–5pm) | Hartlebury Castle
Witness a spectacular Civil War skirmish as The Sealed Knot recreate The Battle of Hartlebury. The castle grounds will transform into a 17th-century encampment, complete with demonstrations, displays and interactive activities.
A great opportunity to see tactics, drill and daily life brought vividly to life.
Advance booking recommended via hartleburycastle.com.
Commemorative Parade and Drumhead Service
Thursday 3 September | Worcester City Centre to Fort Royal Park
Join the Battle of Worcester Society as they parade through the city to Fort Royal for a Drumhead Service of Remembrance. This moving event honours those who fought and died in and around Worcester during the English Civil Wars.
Free to attend. Just turn up.
The Last Battle – 375th Anniversary
Saturday 5 September (10am–4pm) | The Commandery
Commemorate the deciding battle in the former Royalist Headquarters. Enjoy a full day of talks, living history displays and crafts, alongside a parade of 17th-century soldiers through the city.
Discover Civil War weaponry with musket and pike drills from Worcester Reenactors, explore battlefield surgery techniques, and choose your side before decorating your own wooden standard to take home.
Included with admission.
Talks, Tours and Workshops: Dig Deeper into the 17th Century
Looking to explore the era in more detail? Worcester’s museums, archives and historic venues are hosting a packed programme throughout the year.
The Realities of 17th-Century Cosmetics
Saturday 14 March (2–3pm) | Tudor House Museum
Dr Sharon Young examines beauty, fashion and cosmetics of the period.
Suggested £4 donation; free to Friends. Booking via tudorhouse.org.uk.
17th-Century Cathedral Library and Archive Tours
Weekdays (10am–4pm) | Worcester Cathedral Library and Archive
Explore Stuart-era books and original documents.
By appointment. Charges apply.
The City of Worcester in the 17th Century
Until 15 May | Worcester Cathedral Library and Archive
A free display revealing Worcester’s social history through archive materials.
The Battle of Worcester – Behind the Scenes Tour
15 May (7–8.15pm) | The Hive
Get up close to original documents and archaeological finds linked to the battle.
£6, booking required.
17th-Century Papercutting Workshop
16 May & 19 September (10.30am–12.30pm) | The Commandery
Learn intricate papercutting techniques to decorate a trinket box.
£22.50 or half-price museum admission.
Battle Wound Treatment During the English Civil War
Saturday 20 June (4–5pm) | The Commandery
Medical historian Kevin Goodman demonstrates surgical techniques used before antiseptics and antibiotics.
£10, book via Museums Worcestershire.
The Civil Wars in 100 Objects
Sunday 12 July (1–2pm) | The Commandery
Professor Andrew Hopper explores how objects reveal stories of conflict, religion and political change.
£10.
The Battle of Worcester Exhibition
10 August – 28 September (8.30am–10pm daily) | The Hive
View documents and archaeological discoveries that shed light on 3 September 1651.
Free entry.
English Civil War Fiction
Sunday 30 August (1–2pm) | The Commandery
Author Charles Cordell discusses historical fiction inspired by the 17th century, followed by Q&A and signing.
£10.
Ghosts and Apparitions in the English Civil War
Saturday 14 October (2–3pm) | The Commandery
Professor Darren Oldridge explores reports of visions and spectral armies during the conflict.
£10.
Battle of Worcester Society Monthly Talks
Throughout the year | The Commandery / The Hive
A rolling programme of expert speakers covering topics from disease and crime to monastic life in 17th-century Worcester.
Booking required via thebattleofworcestersociety.com.