The Sealed Knot – The Fall of Hartlebury Castle
Step back in time with The Sealed Knot on a special anniversary…
The Sealed Knot return to Hartlebury Castle with an incredible Civil War battlefield brought to life! 2026 marks 375 years since the Battle of Worcester, as well as the 380th anniversary of the ‘Battle of Hartlebury’ when it fell to the Parliamentarians. There’s no better time to see this amazing re-enactment society in action – the largest in Europe!
Bring along the whole family to our stunning Castle setting, transformed so that you can experience the past.
Witness the spectacle of the feature event: The Battle of Hartlebury! Complete with infantry, artillery and cavalry troops (up to 400 re-enactors), the Castle attempts to hold out for the King one final time in a thrilling Civil War re-enactment – including a march to the site that you can follow behind, and a replica bastion built to scale.
Other highlights to immerse yourself in include:
- Meet wonderful 17th century re-enactors as the Castle is taken over by soldiers and transformed into a Royalist garrison (as it really was during the Civil War)! Who do you support – the King or Parliament?
- Experience civilian life as the Carriage Circle becomes a living history camp showing period clothes, food preparation, crafts, art, games and more – find out what it was really like to live and fight in Worcestershire during the time.
- See fascinating demonstrations of period weapons and tactics.
- Have a go with a pike and see if you’ve got what it takes to join the troops!
- Meet the cavalry horses.
- Watch a parade of 17th century fashion.
- Get stuck into hands-on activities.
- Enjoy amazing performance displays.
- Witness firing cannons!
- Complete fun children’s activity sheets and treasure hunts.
- Discover living history displays on the ground floor of the historic Bishop’s Palace – watch out for Bishop Prideaux!
- Blow off steam in the adventure playground.
- Plus, more to be announced…
