Article and images by Jonathan White.
St Mary’s Church – on Monks Lane in Acton – organised several events during the annual ‘Holly Holy Day’ on Saturday (21st January).
The events took place on the same day as The Sealed Knot’s Battle of Nantwich re-enactment in Nantwich.
The church was open, and attendees were served hot drinks and buttered toast, with the opportunity to go up the church’s tower.
Local historian Mike Lea brought history to life as he addressed an audience of approximately 130 people to talk about the key points of the Civil War.
Nick and Caroline Harley and Nigel Anderson explained specifically how Acton Church was used during the siege and led dozens of people on a guided walk to view the battlefields.
The walkers visualised where the opposing forces were positioned and gained an understanding about the way the landscape influenced the battle and what happened at the different stages of the conflict.
The ‘Battle of Nantwich’ occurred during the first English Civil War (1642-1646) and was fought between the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers).
At the end of 1643, the Royalist army had secured much of the North West and Cheshire – with the exception of Nantwich where, surrounded by Royalists, the Parliamentarian garrison held out under siege.
Namptwiche, as it was then called, was Cheshire’s second major town and very important due to its strategic position on the road to Chester.
A Parliamentarian force under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax (1612-71) advanced from Lincolnshire to relieve the town.
This army engaged the Royalists in the Henhull area to the west and defeated them in the Battle of Namptwiche.
As Fairfax’s forces marched on Acton, Col Richard Gibson deployed four Royalist regiments of infantry to meet them.
The Royalists fell back to Acton Church where Col Gibson surrendered to Fairfax. Many of the officers took refuge in Acton Church and were taken prisoner after surrendering.
The battle took place on 25th January 1644 and it was a Parliamentarian victory. To celebrate the Parliamentarian victory people wore sprigs of holly in their hair and hats.
Speaking about their event over the weekend, a representative from St Mary’s Church, Acton commented: “The atmosphere at the church was tremendous.
“Mike Lea is a fabulous speaker, and the guided walks were greatly appreciated.
“Tea and hot buttered toast and trips up the tower were welcomed by all involved. Thank you to all who visited Acton on Holly Holy Day.”
Church services at St Mary’s Church, Acton:
Sundays – 8am Holy Communion on the second and fourth Sundays / weekly 11am morning service / 6.30pm evening service on the first Sunday of the month
Wednesdays – 10.30am Holy Communion
Messy Church – for children on the third Sunday of the month at 10am, and a toddler group on alternative Wednesday mornings at 9.15am.
Future events at St Mary’s Church, Acton
All the events raise valuable funds for St Mary’s Church, which is a Grade I listed building.
* 29th January – Plough Service at Reaseheath College)
* Tea at the Tower community cafe, run by church volunteers every Sunday afternoon (2.30-4.30pm) throughout the year. Hot drinks and cakes are available. Donations are gratefully received.
* Guided monthly walks at a relaxed pace along a route which mainly involves the canal towpath and lane walking and only a small number of stiles. Stout outdoor shoes or walking boots are recommended. Car parking is available at the village car park. All are welcome, including dogs on leads. Donations are gratefully received. All walks start from St Mary’s Church at 1pm (please meet for 12.45pm at the church) and for those who wish to indulge in cake and a hot drink, walks return in time to visit the Tea at the Tower community cafe. Future walks take place on Sunday 5th February, Sunday 5th March, Sunday 2nd April, Sunday 14th May, Sunday 4th June, Sunday 2nd July and Sunday 3rd September (there’s no walk in August).
For further information relating to St Mary’s Church in Acton, please visit: www.stmarysacton.org
