The Sealed Knot

Colchester Living History Festival
2026-05-24 - 2026-05-25 | Alresford Hall
About this event
Siege of Colchester (1648): Royalist commanders Sir George Lisle and Sir Charles Lucas led a determined defence of Colchester against Parliamentarian forces under Sir Thomas Fairfax, but after a brutal siege the town fell, sealing a decisive Parliamentarian victory in the English Civil War.
A FULL DAY OF INTERACTIVE HISTORY FOR ALL THE FAMILY 24th & 25th OF MAY 2026.
Join The Sealed Knot as we explore what it was like to live, and fight during the English Civil War.
Spend the day exploring our Living history encampment and taking part in our activities and arena displays including the grand battle finale.
Witness the spectacle of a battlefield complete with hundreds of infantry, artillery and cavalry troops as the Parliament army attempts to take this Royalist stronghold.
Location: Alresford Hall, Nr Colchester, Essex Public entrance: CO7 8AP
Event Opening Times.
Sunday 24th of May 2026 10am – 4pm
Monday 25th of May 2026 10am – 4pm
Performance Times
TBC

Our arena and timetabled displays are all included in your ticket price.
An opportunity to discover how the troops of a 17th century army worked as well as get involved and discover if you’ve got what it takes! Learn, see and experience the sights and sounds of the English civil war as we bring history to life. The main battle starts at 2pm.
All Day Activities
Our Living History camp and activities tent will be open all day for you to explore alongside the performance displays. Relive History and immerse yourself in the 17th century discovering facts about the past and what it meant for the people of England as civil war raged around them.

See displays of English Civil War weapons and tactics.
Get up close with the horses and Calvery.
Explore Civilian life in our Living History camp.
Take part in our ‘have a go’ activities.
Complete our kids activity sheets and treasure hunts.
Watch a display of drums and colours.
Witness the spectacle of our main battle.

Food and Drink
Food and drink vendors are available on site, or feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy your lunch whilst immersed in history.
Tickets

The Siege of Tutbury
2026-06-20 10:00 - 2026-06-21 16:00 (Europe/London) | Tutbury, Tutbury Charities, Playing Field, Tutbury, DE13 9HA, United Kingdom
The Siege of Tutbury! The Sealed Knot at Tutbury
20th and 21st June Tutbury, DE13 9HA

About this event

THE SIEGE OF TUTBURY – The battles of the English Civil War to win middle England.
INTERACTIVE HISTORY FOR ALL THE FAMILY 20th and 21st OF JUNE.
Join The Sealed Knot as we explore what it was like to live, and fight during the English Civil War.
Spend time exploring our Living history encampment, observe the parade through the high street and
witness the spectacle of a battlefield with Musket, Pike and artillery.

Location: Tutbury Charities Playing Field, Staffordshire, DE13 9HA
Event Opening Times.
10am – 4pm Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of June 2026
Performance Times
Our Living History and battle display are all included in your ticket price.
An opportunity to discover how the troops of a 17th century army worked as well as get involved and discover if you’ve got what it takes! Learn, see and experience the sights and sounds of the English civil war as we bring history to life. Check out our website for more information regarding performance timings: www.thesealedknot.org.uk.
All Day Activities
A day of Interactive History For All The Family
Join the Sealed Knot as we explore what it was like to live, and fight, in Staffordshire in the 17th Century. Explore our Living history encampment and take part in our activities. Witness the spectacle of a 17th century battlefield brought to life, complete with infantry and artillery as we re-create the siege of this important castle during the English Civil War.

See displays of ECW Weapons and Tactics.
Explore Civilian life in our Living History camp.
Meet our Soldiers face to face.
Witness the spectacle of our main battle.

Ticket Prices
£15 Per Family (2 Adults & 3 Children)
£6 Per Individual Adult
£3 Concessions (OAP’S and Children under 16 years of age)
Carers and Children under 5 enter free.
Please Note: Due to the nature of our displays, loud noises from cannon and musket are a common occurrence, please bear that in mind when looking to bring small children and dogs.

Burgley House
2026-06-20 10:00 - 2026-06-21 16:30 | Burghley House, Burghley House, Peterborough, PE9 3JY
Step into the 17th century

Experience the sights, sounds, and skills of the English Civil War as Colonel John Pickering’s Regiment of Foote brings history to life at Burghley. This immersive Living History event showcases the crafts, trades, and daily life of the mid-1640s, offering a fascinating journey into the past.
Meet the soldiers who fought on the side of Parliament as well as their Royalist adversaries, and discover how they lived while on the march. Learn about the role of soldiers, the equipment they used, and how a regiment was structured. There will also be displays of arms, offering detailed explanations of the weaponry of the time and its role in 17th century life.
Explore 17th century encampments where re-enactors demonstrate traditional crafts such as wood carving, spinning, and candle-making. Engage with history as you handle period objects, try on traditional clothing, and discover the realities of life during the Civil War—from domestic routines to the challenges of the time.
Perfect for history enthusiasts of all ages, this event offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience 17th century life up close!

Mildenhall, Suffolk
2026-07-11 - 2026-07-12 | Mildenhall, The Pavilion, Recreation Way, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7HG
Experience History Come Alive!
The Sealed Knot steps back onto Suffolk soil to bring the English Civil War vividly to life.
In the 17th century, Mildenhall stood under the powerful influence of the North family, staunch Royalists led by Sir Henry North, whose loyalty to the Crown set them at odds with the Parliament‑dominated stronghold of East Anglia.
With Parliamentarian forces determined to stamp out Royalist support, the region became a battleground of ideology, loyalty, and survival. Join us as the Sealed Knot recreates this turbulent chapter of Mildenhall’s past, immersing audiences in the sights, sounds, and stories of a nation divided.
Experience the thunder and power of 17th‑century artillery as our gunners demonstrate the skill and precision of Civil War firepower.

Flashing Blades: Sword Display: Watch skilled reenactors showcase the art of close‑quarters combat with fast, dramatic, and historically grounded sword work.
Regimental Arms Display: Discover the weapons, tactics, and discipline of the infantry with an up‑close look at muskets, pikes, and the soldiers who wielded them.
Main Battle (2pm)The highlight of the day. See the armies clash as the Sealed Knot brings the English Civil War to life in a full‑scale battle recreation.
Food, Drink & Traders: A selection of food and drink vendors will be on site throughout the day, along with artisan traders offering handcrafted goods, historical items, and local produce. Guests are also welcome to bring their own picnic and enjoy the atmosphere

Bring your family for a fantastic free day out!

Harpenden Highland Gathering
2026-07-12 10:30 - 17:00 | Rothamsted Park, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2LX, United Kingdom
We are pleased to be supporting Harpenden Lions Club at their Harpenden Highland Gathering event!
Prepare to be transported to the 1640s, a tumultuous era of Cavaliers and Roundheads, as we explore Parliament’s historic struggle against the King during the English Civil War. You will witness a demonstration of the skill and bravery of Prince Rupert’s Bluecoats (or “Blewcoats”), an elite Royalist regiment once commanded by the King’s own nephew.

Watch as Musketeers and Pikemen take to the field, supported by the steady cadence of the Drummers. You will see the tactical manoeuvres and explosive black powder displays that defined 17th-century warfare
Beyond the battlefield, visit the camp to meet the civilians and other members of the regiment. The Living History display offers a meaningful glimpse into the daily lives, tools, and clothing of those who lived through this conflict.

Timing
10.30am – 5pm
Tickets
Book your tickets now! https://www.harpenden-lions.co.uk/highland-gathering

Hartlebury Castle
2026-07-25 - 2026-07-26 | Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 7XZ, United Kingdom
About this event
HARTLEBURY CASTLE – an English Civil War conflict in Worcestershire.
A FULL DAY OF INTERACTIVE HISTORY FOR ALL THE FAMILY 25th & 26th OF JULY 2026.
On the 380th anniversary of the fall of Hartlebury Castle to Parliamentarian forces, join The Sealed Knot as we explore what it was like to live, and fight during the English Civil War.
Spend the day exploring our Living history encampment and taking part in our activities and arena displays including the grand battle finale.
Witness the spectacle of a battlefield complete with hundreds of infantry, artillery and cavalry troops as the Parliament forces attempt to take this Royalist stronghold.
Location: Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire. Public entrance: DY11 7XZ
Event Opening Times.
11am-5pm Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th of July 2026
Performance Times
Our arena and timetabled displays are all included in your ticket price.
An opportunity to discover how the troops of a 17th century army worked as well as get involved and discover if you’ve got what it takes! Learn, see and experience the sights and sounds of the English civil war as we bring history to life. The main battle starts around 2pm.
All Day Activities
Our Living History camp and activities tent will be open from 11am for you to explore alongside the performance displays. Relive History and immerse yourself in the 17th century discovering facts about the past and what it meant for the people of England as civil war raged around them.

See displays of English Civil War weapons and tactics.
Explore Civilian life in our Living History camp.
Take part in our ‘have a go’ activities.
Complete our kids activity sheets and treasure hunts.
Meet the Cavalry horses.
Witness the spectacle of our main battle.

Food and Drink
Hayley’s Kitchen café is available on site, or feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy your lunch whilst immersed in history.
Ticket Prices
TBC
Please Note: Due to the nature of our displays, loud noises from canon and musket are a common occurrence, please bear that in mind when looking to bring small children and dogs. We always advise bringing chairs for anyone who may have mobility issues, and ear defenders for individuals with sensitivities to loud noise.

Battle of Coleford
2026-08-08 - 2026-08-09
Battle of Coleford 1643 – an English Civil War conflict in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Two quite different days portraying the events of 20th February 1643 when a Royalist Army, raised around Raglan was en-route to lay siege to Gloucester but diverted to Coleford to destroy a Parliamentary militia regiment consisting of local men who were responsible for protecting communities in the Forest of Dean.
On Saturday, 8th August 2026 there will be a portrayal of what happened, where it actually happened – in and around the Market Place. You will witness the conflict at close quarters but will be asked, for your own safety, to remain on the pavements and follow the directions of stewards and Sealed Knot members.
On Sunday, 9th August 2026 there will be a battle re-enactment on the Angus Buchanan VC Trust recreational grounds on Victoria Road, Coleford, GL16 8QT. There will be a living history encampment where you can experience life in the mid-17th Century and also arena displays involving pike, musket and artillery.
Event Opening Times
Saturday, 8th August 2026 1.30pm to 4.00pm.
Sunday, 9th August 2026 11.00am to 4.30pm
Entrance Fee
This event is free entrance.
Performance Times and Activities
The living history site will be open on the Sunday only, prior to the battle, from 11.00am.
You will have an opportunity to wander round the village and observe how an army on the march lived and perhaps take part in our ‘have a go’ activities. You will experience the sights, sounds and smells of 17th Century life at close hand. The main battle will start at 2.00pm.
Food and Drink
There will be no food traders on site so bring a picnic and make a day of it. There are lots of shops, restaurants, take aways, supermarkets and pubs within walking distance of the event site.
Word of caution
Battle re-enactments can be very noisy, with canon and musketfire, so keep this in mind with regard to small children and dogs. We also suggest that you bring chairs for everyone, particularly for those with mobility issues, and ear defenders for those with sensitive hearing.

Great Tew: A battle for the Cotswolds
2026-08-30 - 2026-08-31
About this event
A FULL DAY OF INTERACTIVE HISTORY FOR ALL THE FAMILY 30th & 31st OF AUGUST 2026.
Join The Sealed Knot as we explore what it was like to live, and fight during the English Civil War.
Spend the day exploring our Living history encampment and taking part in our activities and arena displays including the grand battle finale.
Witness the spectacle of a battlefield complete with hundreds of infantry, artillery and cavalry troops as the Parliament army attempts to take this Royalist stronghold.
Location: Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire. Public entrance: OX7 4AF
Event Opening Times.
11am – 5pm
Performance Times
Our arena and timetabled displays are all included in your ticket price.
An opportunity to discover how the troops of a 17th century army worked as well as get involved and discover if you’ve got what it takes! Learn, see and experience the sights and sounds of the English civil war as we bring history to life. The main battle starts around 2pm.
All Day Activities
Our Living History camp and activities tent will be open from 11.30am for you to explore alongside the performance displays. Relive History and immerse yourself in the 17th century discovering facts about the past and what it meant for the people of England as civil war raged around them.

See displays of English Civil War weapons and tactics.
Explore Civilian life in our Living History camp.
Take part in our ‘have a go’ activities.
Complete our kids activity sheets and treasure hunts.
Watch a display of drums and colours.
Witness the spectacle of our main battle.

Food and Drink
Food and drink vendors are available on site, or feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy your lunch whilst immersed in history.
Ticket Prices
£20 Per Family (2 Adults & 3 Children)
£10 Per Individual Adult
£5 Concessions (OAP’S and Children under 16 years of age)
Carers and Children under 5 enter free.

Please Note: Due to the nature of our displays, loud noises from canon and musket are a common occurrence, please bear that in mind when looking to bring small children and dogs. We always advise bringing chairs for anyone who may have mobility issues, and ear defenders for individuals with sensitivities to loud noise.
