The Battle of Shrewsbury, 1403 by Anthony Rich

The Battle of Shrewsbury was waged between an army led by the Lancastrian King Henry IV and a rebel army led by Henry “Harry Hotspur” Percy from Northumberland. The battle, the first in which English archers fought each other on English soil, reaffirmed the effectiveness of the longbow and ended the Percy challenge to King Henry IV of England. It was also the battle at which our favourite medieval hero, the future Henry V, won his spurs despite being wounded in the face by an arrow.
 
Our speaker is Chairman of the Battlefields Trust, Anthony Rich, a noted battlefield guide. Based near Birmingham, Anthony’s guiding centres on, but is by no means restricted to, battles of all eras in and around the Midlands and the Welsh Marches. He guides for a wide range of national and local organisations, small groups and individuals, including our Society’s successful exploration of the Mortimer’s Cross battlefield in 2024. 

Related Topics

BaronsWar 2025 Wargames Festival – 2 and 3 August 2025

Evesham’s first Wargames Festival to help commemorate the 760th anniversary of the Battle of Evesham.  Demonstration and participation games from Ancients to the Age of Napoleon, and more, with a Bring & Buy Sale, refreshments and a chance to meet like minded friends.

This will be held at Wallace House Community Centre, Oat Street, Evesham.

This year is the 760th anniversary of the Battle of Evesham so the Wargames Festival is part of the three day Evesham’s Battle Festival on the 1 to 3 August.  Other activities include:

Day 1, Friday when Jousts and Tournaments will be held.

Days 2 and 3 will cover our award winning Medieval Festival and Battle Re-enactments.

The Cult of the Virgin Mary (and did she found Evesham Abbey?) by Richard Carter

The founding story of the Abbey of St Mary and St Ecgwine (Evesham Abbey) centres on a personal appearance by the Virgin Mary.  The Abbey’s continuing prosperity had much to do with the popularity of the cult of the Virgin Mary.  This evening’s lecture will examine the nature of the cult and we will attempt to answer the question:  “Did the Virgin Mary found Evesham Abbey?”.

The lecture will be delivered in person at the Baptist Community Centre in Offenham, as well as remotely (by Zoom) for those who are unable to travel.

Evesham Medieval Market

Evesham’s annual medieval market will boast fascinating and unique stalls, live entertainment, re-enactment and food and drink.  The Society stall is usually based in St Lawrence’s Church.

It is a two day event starting at 10 am on Saturday 17 May (ends 5 pm) and Sunday (10 am to 4 pm).

The organisers are the Evesham Battle Team ( who are members of our Society).

Robin Hood (And was he at the Battle of Evesham?) by Heather Rendall

Was there a prototype outlaw for our modern Robin Hood?  If there were, was he at the Battle of Evesham?

The lecture will be delivered through Zoom and in person.

Light in the Darkness by Heather Rendell

A Zoom only meeting featuring an examination of the contrast between life in the medieval hall and the chivalry ideal of life.

Most of the Society’s lectures are in person but because of the likely inclement weather at this time of year the lectures will be given remotely until the spring.

Annual Day Trip to Montgomery Castle and the Battle of Pilleth

Today visitors can explore Montgomery’s history and heritage, visit the old Bell Museum and climb the ruined battlements of Montgomery Castle.  We will have an opportunity to examine the very latest findings from the archaeological studies taking place at Montgomery Castle.

We will also be exploring the Pilleth Battlefield (also known as the Battle of Bryn Glas) fought between the Welsh and the English on June 22 1402.

We will have expert guidance from the Battlefields Trust.