The Siege of Weston

May 2003

Billed as the largest siege in England since the Civil War, Locking Airfield, Weston-super-Mare played host to thousands of members of the Sealed Knot over the Whitsun bank holiday weekend.

Organised wholly by Tillier’s, the airfield was transformed into over one and a half miles of entrenchments, earthworks, gun emplacements and forts. Members of the regiment worked tirelessly over the preceding month to create this stunning backdrop.

Click here to see the battlefield and siege works being prepared

Throughout the two-day event, Tillier’s coordinated two thousand members of the Sealed Knot in providing non-stop entertainment for the crowds – drill demonstrations, set-piece assaults and mounted relief columns. Each day the culmination of events was a spectacular battle. On Monday, the earthworks finally fell with the parliamentarian garrison being put to the sword.

Click here to see the photographs of the battle

On the Sunday evening, a surprise assault was staged forcing the parliamentarian to rush reinforcements to the threatened sections of the walls. Fire-pikes were launched against the backdrop of a spectacular artillery bombardment.

The event also encompassed a huge country fair, funfair and country pursuits demonstrations such as hawking. Over sixteen thousand members of the public were able to enjoy the events. Weston Town Council and Prism Promotions, the co-sponsors, were delighted by the success of the event.

Tillier’s were really pleased to welcome many new members from the event. If you are interested in joining Tillier’s, the local regiment in Somerset, call either Steve on 01934 644899 or Bryan on 01264 792725