A historic banner project is set to celebrate Worcester’s significant role in the English Civil War, focusing on the city’s involvement in both the Battle of Powick Bridge in 1642 and the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The initiative, led by the Battle of Worcester Society in collaboration with Worcester Sixth Form College, Royal Grammar School Worcester, and Heart of Worcestershire College, will create historical banners that reflect Worcester’s unique place in history. The banners will be hand-painted by local students under the guidance of their teachers and the society, offering a visual representation of the 17th-century regiments that fought in these pivotal battles.
The banners will be designed to echo the symbols and emblems of the time, allowing a visual journey through Worcester’s civil war history. Pending planning approval, the first banners are expected to be displayed on Copenhagen Street in summer 2025, marking a vibrant addition to the city’s streetscape. These historical displays will aim to create an immersive experience for both residents and visitors, providing an engaging way to explore Worcester’s role in the English Civil War.
The project has already begun with the creation of a prototype banner by Chris Hodson, an art and design technician at Worcester Sixth Form College. This initial banner sets the tone for the historically accurate works that will follow. Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, emphasized that the project is intended to transform the city into an “immersive civil war experience,” making Worcester the first city in Britain to feature such a living history initiative through banners.
John Pitt, headmaster of RGS Worcester, expressed excitement about the project’s educational potential. By engaging students from history and textiles departments, the project will offer them a creative way to connect with the past. As one of the oldest schools in the country, RGS Worcester’s involvement highlights the significance of the project in bringing the city’s rich civil war history to life in a bright and engaging manner.
