The Sealed Knot re-enactment society wow visitors at Halton Castle, Runcorn

Sep 16 2010 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

The Sealed Knot re-enactment society wow visitors at Halton Castle, Runcorn

CIVIL war erupted at a Halton heritage site over the weekend when it staged a rare open day for visitors.

The Sealed Knot re-enactment charity staged a mock display of Cavaliers and Roundheads in homage to Halton Castle’s past as a civil war battleground.

The weekend’s activities also featured a bird of prey display and a tour of the grounds for wide-eyed visitors, who were given transport to-and-from Norton Priory, where other events were also taking place.

The Grade 1-listed castle in Halton Village was built in Norman times and some historians believe it was even once visited by King John, the man who famously fulfilled the villain’s role in the Robin Hood legend, who reputedly donated £5 to the upkeep of its chapel.

At the outbreak of the Civil War the castle was garrisoned by the Royalists under the command of Captain Walter Primrose who had been appointed by Earl Rivers.

It was besieged by Parliamentary forces under Sir William Brereton in 1643 and the Royalists eventually surrendered after several weeks.

Its defences were eventually dismantled following a ‘council of war’ meeting in Warrington.