The Battle of Worcester Society has sponsored a new academic award at the University of Worcester called the Richard Shaw Memorial Prize. Established in memory of the former chairman of the society, Richard Shaw, the annual award aims to recognize outstanding work in early modern history, covering the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. The prize, totaling £500, will be awarded to the history student at the university producing the best work on this historical period. The inaugural recipient is Ed Nock, whose dissertation focused on representations of Charles II’s escape after the Battle of Worcester.

The society, dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Battle of Worcester, collaborated closely with the university, particularly with Professor Darren Oldridge, resulting in the establishment of this academic prize. Daniel Daniels, Chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, emphasized the award’s commitment to honouring the former chairman’s memory and promoting a deep appreciation for early modern history. Professor Oldridge expressed gratitude for the society’s generosity in establishing the prize, noting its contribution to raising public awareness of early modern history and promoting knowledge of this crucial historical period.