A man and four boys outside Hartlebury Castle, holding pikes and swords and wearing armour

The Sealed Knot – The Battle of Hartlebury

Sat 26 July : 11.00 am - Sun 27 July : 4.00 pm

Step into Civil War history with The Sealed Knot!

The Sealed Knot are back at the Castle for 2025 – this year with a 17th century battlefield brought to life!

On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July from 11am to 4pm, bring along the whole family to experience the past with the largest re-enactment society in Europe.

Witness the spectacle of a Civil War battlefield with a replica bastion built to scale (around 60 foot long) at the feature event: The Battle of Hartlebury! Complete with infantry, artillery and cavalry troops, the Castle attempts to hold out for the King one final time in a brilliant re-enactment lasting over an hour – including a march to the site that you can follow behind.

Other highlights to immerse yourself in include:

  • Meet wonderful 17th century reenactors as the Castle is taken over by soldiers and transformed into a Royalist garrison (as it really was during the Civil War)! Who do you support – the King or Parliament?
  • Experience civilian life as the Carriage Circle becomes a living history camp – find out what it was really like to live and fight in Worcestershire during the time, with everything from wood-shaping to cooking and music to discover.
  • Enjoy living history displays inside the Chapel, Saloon and Great Hall – look out for Bishop Prideaux!
  • See fascinating displays of period weapons and tactics.
  • Get into character at the dress-up station.
  • Complete fun children’s activity sheets and treasure hunts.
  • See a parade of 17th century fashion.
  • Play tabletop and floor games.
  • Watch amazing demonstrations and have a go at being a pike soldier!
  • See firing canons!
  • And more to be announced…

This event is supported by Wychavon District Council.

The Sealed Knot artillery display with pikes
Young girl in Civil War era fancy dress with a drum
Civil War reenactor standing outside Hartlebury Castle during a busy Sealed Knot event day
Boy loading a replica canon at Hartlebury Castle
Members of the public taking part in a Civil War reenactment pike drill
Two Civil War era reenactors waving
Young girl dressed in armour and holding a sword
Re-enactors fire two canons in the Hartlebury Castle grounds
Boy holding a pike with a man supporting it and smiling
The Sealed Knot reenactors with pikes
Civil War Cook reenactor cooking outdoors
Civil War reenactor showing a family a musket
Male re-enactor dressed as a bishop outside Hartlebury Castle

Tickets

Adult: £9
Child: £4.50
Under 5: Free
Carer: Free (1 Carer ticket per paid ticket – please contact us if you require more)
Guardian or Worcestershire Resident Passholder: Free

Please be aware that Historic Houses Association Membership is not valid for this event.

Worcestershire County Museum and the upper rooms of the Bishop’s Palace will be closed on these event days. Grounds only tickets will also not be available.

Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and light refreshments will be available to purchase. Please do not bring your own alcohol.

You’re welcome to bring camping chairs to sit on during the battle. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome on a short lead in the grounds only, but please do not bring them to the battle due to the loud noises.

Not able to book online? Give us a call Monday – Friday, 9.30am-5pm on 01299 250797.

This event is supported by Wychavon District Council.

Wychavon District Council logo - good services, good value

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