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Coleford Parade
Battle of Coleford 1643 Memorial Parade
This is an annual event, the first of which took place in February 2010 when a Commemorative Plaque presented by The Sealed Knot was unveiled in the Market Place.
The event commemorates the Battle of Coleford which took place on 20th February 1643 when a Royalist Army of 2,000 soldiers, including 500 cavalry, arrived in the town which was defended by a Parliamentary militia consisting of local men who were responsible for defending local communities.
The Royalist Army had been commanded to lay siege to Gloucester but also to divert to Coleford to destroy the local militia that was commanded by Colonel John Berrow. It has to be said that, but for a handful of experienced officers, the soldiers had seen little or no action in battle.
Early in the battle the Commanding Officer, General Sir Richard Lawdley and his Second in Command, Captain Burke were shot dead. The Royalsit Army were left with few experienced leaders and the battle lasted approximately two hours during which the streets and lanes of Coleford were said to run with blood.
Eventually the local men escaped into the forest and the Royalist Army made their way to Highnam near Gloucester where they were destroyed by Waller’s cavalry some two weeks later.
Event Timings
Saturday, 21st February 2026: At 11.00am soldiers will begin to muster in Mushet Walk ready to march off at approximately 11.25am.
The parade will be centred on the Market Place during which there will be tributes to the fallen and the reading of the poem “Battle of Coleford” written many years ago by the local poet Keith Morgan. The poem will be read by local students.
There will follow a display of both pike and musket.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak with Sealed Knot members.
August 2026 Event
A large event is being organised for 8th / 9th August 2026, sponsored by Coleford Town Council. It will include a re-enactment of the battle in the town on the Saturday and a battle on Angus Buchanan VC Recreation Grounds on the Sunday where there will also be a living history village.
There is time to get involved, learn some soldiering skill, join up and take part in the August event. Make yourself known at the Memorial Parade and you will be put in touch with local members.