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Event to explore town's role in Civil War

Chloe Hughes
BBC News, West Midlands
Militias of Anglia An old rusted cannon firing, with a large blast of white smoke and orange sparks. A person in a hat and gloves is wearing dark clothes and is crouching beside it. Another person in a red/maroon uniform is standing next to it, holding a long stickMilitias of Anglia
The two-day event will explore the town's role in the first English Civil War

A historical event will allow people in Shropshire to experience 17th Century England and learn about one town's role in the English Civil War.

Wem 1643: A Seventeenth Century Weekend will be held at the Butler sports centre in Wem on 17 and 18 May.

Organised by national re-enactment group Militias of Anglia, it will demonstrate military drills, crafts and skills from the time and activities for children.

The focus, though, is the small town's "crucial" part in the Civil War.

The first of the three English Civil Wars began in 1642, and was fought between Charles I and Parliament.

At the centre of the conflict were disagreements about religion, and discontent over the king's use of power and his economic policies.

According to Wem Town Council, the town became the first in Shropshire to declare for Parliament in 1643 under Colonel Mytton - who organised the town fortifications.

Militias of Anglia A woman and a man are sitting under a white fabric tent. The woman is wearing a straw hat with a white headscarf, and a long green and white skirt. The man is sitting behind a table, which displays items from the 17th century, including candle holdersMilitias of Anglia
There will be an authentic 17th Century encampment at the event

It said an attack on Wem by politician Lord Capel was successfully held off by locals, resulting in the verse: "The women of Wem and a few musketeers, beat Lord Capel and all his cavaliers."

The Militias of Anglia said the victory was attributed to the bravery of the locals, who "potentially safeguarded important documents, including a copy of Magna Carta, though to have been evacuated from the library of Old Sir Rowland Hill at nearby Soulton Hall."

Militias of Anglia A man is wearing a flowing white shirt, and a straw hat. He is slicing through a tin branch of wood with a sharp tool. On his belt appears to be a brown leather tool belt.Militias of Anglia
The Militias of Anglia described locals at the time as brave

The event's military displays will include pike and musket drills, as well as artillery demonstrations.

An authentic 17th Century encampment will show visitors how soldiers and civilians lived at the time.

Also included in the calendar of events will be children's games, a period fashion show and historical talks about inspiring women of the war.

Militias of Anglia A display of food on a white tablecloth. A dark wood fruit bowl displays green grapes, pink pomegranates with red seeds, and dark pink peaches. There is slices bread on a wooden plate, and ceramic milk jugsMilitias of Anglia
Activities include games for children, as well as military demonstrations

Militias of Anglia said loud sounds would be anticipated during military demonstrations, and dogs were not permitted.

The event will open to the public at 10:00 BST on both days.

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