The Siege Of Chester

See Chester’s English Civil War history come alive as Europe’s largest re-enactment society, The Sealed Knot, re-creates the Great Siege of the city from 1645-6!

Thousands of re-enactors from across the UK will descend on Chester over the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 29-31), with Chester Racecourse hosting a fascinating historical encampment and massive battle re-enactments on the Sunday and Monday.

Saturday activities
At 12pm on Saturday 29th August, watch the armies march through the city centre to the Roman Gardens to unveil a plaque to the victims of the Great Siege. Then from 1pm to 4pm, see dramatic scenes re-enacted at the Market Cross, on Eastgate, and a 17th Century

Living History Camp
From 11am to 4pm on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August, visit the historical encampment on Chester Racecourse and meet the people who lived and fought during the Civil Wars – with traditional crafts, cooking, and demonstrations.

The Battle
At 2.30pm on Sunday and 2pm on Monday, witness the biggest battle re-enactment in the UK as Cavalier and Roundhead battle it out on Chester Racecourse! With superb views from the racecourse and Nuns Road, watch muskets fire, cannons boom, and cavalry charge as the Sealed Knot brings the 1645 Battle of Rowton Moor to life!

Full Schedule Of Events
Saturday 29th August
12pm Watch the armies march through the city centre to the Roman Gardens to unveil a plaque to the victims of the Great Siege.
1pm – 4pm See dramatic scenes re-enacted at the Market Cross, on Eastgate, and a 17th Century wedding at Chester Town Hall.
Sunday 30th & Monday 31st August
11am – 4pm Step back in time and visit our historical encampment on Chester Racecourse.
2.30pm (2pm Monday)Watch Roundhead & Cavalier clash in a spectacular re-enactment of the 1645 Battle of Rowton Moor!