On 23rd October 1642, in large open fields between Kineton and Radway, the Battle of Edgehill was fought. It was to be the first major battle of the English Civil War. Everyone predicted the war would end quickly, and the outcome of the Battle of Edgehill was widely expected to decide whether the Royalists or Parliamentarians would be victorious. However neither side found glory and the war continued.
This permanent exhibition in St Peter's Church was opened in 2016 with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is open daily from 8am-8pm, and aims to tell the story of the effects of the battle on the men fighting and the local population. The exhibition is free, but donations towards the upkeep of the exhibition are appreciated.
WHY DID IT HAPPEN? HOW WERE THE LOCAL PEOPLE AFFECTED? WHAT WERE THE WEAPONS AND TACTICS USED? The answers to these and other questions are explored in detail through a number of artefacts recovered during a survey of the battlefield, costumed mannequins and an interactive touch-screen that shows short films, photos and other information. The stone Memorial to Captain Kingsmill, a Royalist Officer, who was killed at Edgehill, is situated in the church.
The Church is also a good starting place for a walk through the village of Radway, where two wind-up audio units will explain other interesting facts about the heritage of this lovely South Warwickshire village. The village is situated 9 miles from Banbury, 12 from Stratford upon Avon, 11 from Warwick and Leamington Spa. A good vantage point over the whole battlefield can be viewed from the grounds of the Castle Inn on top of Edgehill. Guided tours of the exhibition and village for individuals or groups can be arranged for a small fee.
Sites mentioned on wind-up machines in village
Information towers
Interactive touch-screen
Mannequin of Captain Kingsmill
Artefacts cases
St Peter's Church, Radway
Local
See and Do
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