24th July, Chipping Warden (Edgcote battlefield)

Ancients on the Move on the Battlefields Trail

(the Anniversary Edgcote battlefield walk)
A beautiful sunny afternoon with an occasional light breeze. Ideal conditions for visiting a battlefield (unlike my visit to an inundated Naseby 2 weeks ago!). A July battle, no mention is made of weather conditions (which generally are mentioned if they affect events): so we must assume that it was also a fine day in 1469.

(lunchtime meet at the Griffin Inn, Chipping Warden)
This visit combined the Battlefields Trust, Medieval Siege Society and SNAG, marking both the 542nd year and the last week of the consultation period before the Government makes a decision that might send a High Speed rail link right through the potential heritage site.

(The Battlefields Trail links Edgcote, Cropredy and Edgehill)
Edgcote is one of those Medieval battles where the location is not entirely secure.

Nevertheless, it was clearly on the flat ground in amongst 3 hills near Edgcote and Chipping Warden on the banks of the Cherwell. We can explore those fields knowing we are very close to the location, knowing that all the probable sites will be destroyed by the rail link.

Although I am entirely unconvinced of the need for the High Speed link between London and Birmingham (relative to all the other pressing transport priorities), I wouldn't presume to tell others what to think.

However, you have until Friday 29th to register a view in the consultation process (there is an online form at https://highspeedrail.dft.gov.​uk/have-your-say).

(Commemorative roses dropped at Trafford Bridge, Edgcote Battlefield)
If you support the Battlefields Trust's objections to the proposed route, you will want to answer 'NO' to question 5 ... (suggested answer ... 'I disagree with the proposed route around the village of Chipping Warden as it cuts directly across the historic battlefield of Edgcote, 1469'). If you have no view on the other questions, you could answer 'no view'.

You must act now (before 29th July)
(SNAG, Battlefields Trust and Medieval Siege Society at Edgcote Battlefield)
One of the problems with the Edgcote location being uncertain is that it has compromised it being included in English Heritage's list of battlefields ... and that in turn leaves it more vulnerable to big government/big ideas. However, the latest research leaves us much better informed. See the Battlefield Trust Edgcote report.

(Edgcote: the Rebel cavalry may have charged down these slopes)
On the day, of course, a rebel army led by a self-styled Robin Hood (Robin of Redesdale, probably Sir John Conyers) beat a squabbling Yorkist army under Herbert and Stafford. Lacking the expected support of Stafford's archers, Herbert's Welsh spearmen were destroyed by a combination of archers and cavalry.

(Edgcote: explaining the possible site of burial pits)
As well as a general exploration of the battlefield, members of the Medieval Siege Society threw red and white roses into the Cherwell off Trafford Bridge to commemorate the dead of both sides.


You can find out more about the Medieval Siege Society
You can find out more about SNAG against HS2
You can find out more about the Battlefields Trust

On the move next weekend to a Society of Ancients Committee Meeting (London)
On the move the week after to Claymore (Edinburgh)