Events to mark 700th anniversary of Battle of Boroughbridge

Boroughbridge to mark 700th anniversary of battle.

Living history, medieval weapons demonstrations and battlefield tours will be staged on Saturday March 12 to commemorate the event.

Linda Dooks of the Historical Society said: “Most people in the area are aware that there was a Battle of Boroughbridge and, if questioned, some may be able to tell you that the date was 1322, but it is unlikely that they will be able to provide any more detail, even about the armies involved and the event’s place in Britain’s history.

“Boroughbridge Historical Society and the Battlefields Trust have worked together to commemorate the battle’s 700th anniversary, and will use the expertise of the Three Swords Medieval combat display group to give colour to the day.

The old church which stood on St James Square at Boroughbridge where it was thought Lancaster was taken from sanctuary to trial at York.

“But we also set out to ensure that the new Battlefield Trail with its detailed information boards, setting out the sequence of events, will be available to inform local people and visitors to the area exactly what happened.

“The Battle of Boroughbridge, which was over in three days, was a short but bloody event.”

The Battlefield Trail has information boards designed by Chris Rock, Yorkshire chairman of the Battlefields Trust.

The boards will be on display at the exhibition in the Jubilee Room above the library and will be erected when Harrogate Council has approved planning permission.

Linda added: “We have tried to involve Boroughbridge Primary School pupils, who have done art work for our exhibition and will take part in the wreath laying ceremony at the Battle Cross in Aldborough, because it is important that they understand events which took place 700 years ago.

“The battle played a small but significant part in the area’s history.

“We hope they will remember the day and will tell their children and grandchildren about it.”

The 700th anniversary commemoration will start on March 12 with a wreath laid at the Battlecross in Aldborough at 9.30am before the 3 Swords Medieval Group demonstrate arms and armour on the shared community space behind Boroughbridge car park.

There will also be a guided tour of the battlefield by Louise Whittaker, of The Battlefields Trust.

Boroughbridge Historical Society, who are holding a complimentary Battle exhibition, The Battlefields Trust and Boroughbridge Town Council are working on the event with funding from Miller Homes.

Linda added: “The Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322 was fought between a rebellious group of barons and supporters of Edward II, a weak and ineffectual king, whose reign was marked by military failure and constant internal disputes.

“The rebellion was led by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, Edward’s cousin and one the wealthiest people in the country, holding five earldoms.

“He was defeated at Boroughbridge by the King’s army led by Sir Andrew de Harclay.

“The Battle of Boroughbridge raged around a timber bridge crossing the River Ure and a ford, believed to be to the east of the present town, possibly in the Milby area.

“When Lancaster’s army, which probably amounted to a total of 3,000 men at arms with their followers, arrived at Boroughbridge, Harclay was already in possession of both bridge and ford, which proved to be a strategic advantage.”

Edward was later made Harclay the 1st Earl of Carlisle for his service at Boroughbridge but only a year later he was accused of treachery for making a peace treaty with Robert the Bruce without royal approval.

Harclay was sentenced to death at a hearing in Carlisle and he was hung, drawn and quartered.