The National Civil War Centre has revealed details of a major event to mark the 370th anniversary of the fall of Newark during the British Civil Wars. Re-enactors from across the UK will descend on the town on 1 and 2 May to garrison key locations, including the National Civil War Centre, Newark Castle, which was a major Royalist bastion during the epic clash between crown and parliament, and Friary Park, which stands on the site of major civil war fortifications. During the last of three sieges over the bitter winter of 1645 to 1646 Newark was assailed by 16,000 Parliamentarian and Scottish soldiers, desperate to destroy the staunchly pro-monarchy outpost.   The ordeal lasted for six months and was made even worse by the outbreak of typhus and plague with a third of the population dying.  The town surrendered on the direct orders of King Charles on 8 May 1646, an event that marked the end of the first phase of the nation's deadliest ever conflict.   Michael Constantine, manager of the National Civil War Centre, explained:  “We staged a massive re-enactment last year to mark the opening of the UK's first National Civil War Centre in Newark. This spring we have refined our plans and promise another event full of colour and noise to mark the 370th anniversary. Troops will march through the historic streets, musket fire will echo through the town and there'll be plenty of chance for people to try on civil war armour and learn more about this amazing period in our history.  It will be another great couple of days for Newark.” Those appearing will include the Marquis of Winchester's and Colonel Robert Overton's Regiments of Foote, together with other members of the English Civil War Society and the popular History Re-enactment Workshop.  There'll be a tented encampment at the castle, while drill and muskets displays take place at Friary Park. It is likely there will also be a wreath laying ceremony to mark the town's fall.  More details will be revealed nearer the time. www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com

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