Worcester Re-enactors

Brief history of Col. John Birch
(Up to the start of his political career 1643 - 1646)

At the start of the war Birch supports Parliament and becomes a Captain in the local town militia. Birch took part in engagements across the Southern part of the country up to the midlands, from Plymouth and Bristol, to Weymouth up to Newbury, the Cotswolds and up to Hereford.

During his military career he was he was involved in numerous sieges some of these were – Arundel, Winchester and Bridgewater, some of the battles were – Cheriton, Cropredy Bridge and Newbury.

Birch was made Governor in various towns that were taken by Parliament - Bridgewater, Bath, Bristol and Hereford. In December 1646, by then, Col Birch enters the House of Commons as member for Leominster and this ends his military involvement in the first Civil War.

Our regiment today

We are an active part of the Army of Parliament in the Sealed Knot. We have about one hundred members throughout Herefordshire, Worcester, Gloucester, Birmingham and some parts of Wales.

We are a very active regiment, during the winter meetings are held locally to socialise, discuss plans for forthcoming events and receive training in the various arms. Our main aims are to try to re-create aspects of the civil wars, to educate people and at the same time entertain them, and to enjoy ourselves while doing so. During the summer we fight battles all over the country in some of me most picturesque places.

We are actively recruiting for new members. People can join us as individuals, couples, and families. Members acquire their own uniform, we will help in any way we can, by lending you kit for your first season after this uniforms are available from the regiment and society or you can make your own kit using supplied patterns. We can also help you locate bargains (there is a good second hand market within the society). You will also need camping equipment and make your own way to musters.

Support is freely given to help new members get acclimatised to the Sealed Knots unique atmosphere. You will find fun, excitement and new friends and a great chance to get away from it all.

If you think this could be for you, please contact us if you have any further queries.

Midlands
Sarah Annison - Adjutant, 5 Fallowfield Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 9HJ
Tel: 0121 743 3780

South Wales
Mal or Andrea Deere Tel No. 01446 995 819

Email us at zeeta@btinternet.com

Or Visit our Web site – www.colbirch.org.uk