Article by Jonathan White, images by Jonathan White, Peter Robinson and Adam Vaughan
The annual Holly Holy Day ‘Battle of Nantwich’ took place in Nantwich on Saturday (21st January).
The first commemoration of Holly Holy Day took place in January 1972, followed a year later by the first re-enactment of the Great Siege and Battle of Nantwich on 27th January 1973.
Therefore, this year was the 50th anniversary of the first re-enactment.
The event was organised by the Holly Holy Day Society, a small group of volunteers who give up their time each year to organise and plan the event, working in association with The Sealed Knot re-enactment society.
Holly Holy Day traces its roots back to the 17th century and the four-year-long first English Civil War between the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers).
A variety of activities took place during the day at St Mary’s Church, Acton; St Mary’s Church, Nantwich; Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge; Nantwich Museum on Pillory Street; and the town square – along with a parade and the battle re-enactment on Mill Island.
Other things to see in the town included Plough Witches, Domesday Morris Dancers and a King Charles I re-enactor.
Nantwich Museum organised family activities, Civil War exhibitions, 17th century music from Forlorne Hope and Civil War walking tours.
There was a cavalry-led parade of several hundred Sealed Knot troops from Malbank School along Welsh Row and High Street into the town centre.
The was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial on the town square to commemorate people who died in the Battle of Nantwich and other battles.
There was then an inspection of troops. Following the inspection, the troops paraded to Mill Island to re-enact the 1644 battle.
During the battle, drummers banged their orders, pikes clattered, cannons boomed, muskets exploded, and swords clanged.
There was a commentary – with plenty of historical information and an insight into the techniques deployed on the battlefield.
Following the re-enactment, the Rose Bowl was presented to the best regiment.
This year’s Holly Holy Day was enjoyed in cold but dry weather by several thousand people.
Liz Parkin, chair of the Holly Holy Day committee, said: “I am delighted with how the 50th anniversary of the battle re-enactment has gone.
“It was brilliant to see our wonderful historical event come alive again after the Covid-19 years.
“I would like to personally thank everyone who has supported the Battle of Nantwich for a long time including the sponsors who are all local businesses in Nantwich, various Rotary clubs who have marshalled over the years, The Sealed Knot troops, Domesday Morris Dancers, Nantwich Museum, Reaseheath students for making the holly sprigs, Jonathan White for his PR support, Ezra and his Plough Witches, plus Nantwich and Acton churches.
“There really are so many volunteers and sponsors that make this vibrant and meaningful event come to life!”
She added: “I have served for ten years on the committee, and my husband Michael-John, for over fifteen years and we are proud to be leaving on a high along with our treasurer Graham Fenton who has also been a volunteer for many years.”
A representative from Sealed Knot said: “We value our long and unique association with Nantwich in keeping history alive, and commemorating Holly Holy Day, and appreciate the warm welcome we receive.
“Last year, on 22nd January 2022, we were able to conduct a simple low-key wreath-laying event in commemoration of both Holly Holy Day and our association of fifty years with Nantwich.
“Herbert Rowsell and his wife attended as guests of honour in recognition of their steadfastness and loyalty to the Sealed Knot. Sadly, towards the end of last year, Herbert passed away.
“For posterity, it should be noted that Herbert was regarded as a VIP member by the Sealed Knot, and in 2006 had been made an Honorary Vice President.
“Andrew Gillitt, with whom he had worked in collaboration, passed away in 2015.
“Andrew Gillitt’s enthusiasm and inspiration laid the foundations for sharing this remembrance of history. For the Sealed Knot, Andrew had become a legend in his lifetime.
“He was a keen member of the local history society when it was formed and became a life-long friend of Herbert Rowsell.
“He was very supportive of the revival of Holly Holy Day, which Percy Curry had attempted to re-establish in 1963 without much success.
“Andrew’s intervention at the wreath laying ceremony in 1972 – when, to add more colour to the commemoration, he brought along six ladies and six gentlemen from the Sealed Knot in 17th century costume – was well received.
“The following year, the Sealed Knot undertook its first re-enactment on Barony Fields.”
The Holly Holy Day Society offered its thanks to a number of organisations and individuals, without whose help and generosity the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Nantwich would not be possible.
Anyone who would like to join the Holly Holy Day committee, and can offer an average of a couple of hours per week from July to January, is being invited to call Liz on 07886 633 370.
The society are especially keen for volunteers who can support with finance, sponsorship sales, marketing and operations.
