About Us

The main aim of the English Civil War Society is to stimulate interest in the authentic re-creation of seventeenth century military life and in so doing we endeavour to entertain and instruct our own members and the visitors to our events. We do this by continually striving for historical authenticity in our clothing, artifacts, methods, weapons and tactics.

The two elements of the Society, the King's Army and the Roundhead Association, are organisations of enthusiasts who gather together at 'musters' throughout the country during the annual 'campaign season', which lasts from March to October, to re-enact events of the English Civil Wars. We have been active for over 30 years, seeking to recreate that turbulent period in English history, when the country was torn apart by a Civil War in which brother fought against brother. You can find information about all the regiments of the two armies by clicking here.

For media use we offer a  Press Information (53.19 kB) document for download which describing the history, organisation and activities of the Society. For a list of ECWS contacts please click here. 

What We Do

We provide education in an entertaining way by staging events, large and small, throughout the country during the summer months. Battles and Skirmishes can be combined with a 'Living History' element, or this element can be staged as an event on its own. Military Drill displays, school visits and media and corporate promotional events are also a part of our range of activities. The size of our events can be scaled to suit the nature of the venue and the circumstances.

Considerable research, expertise and enthusiasm has gained us respect from all quarters, leading to involvement in assisting museums and featuring in numerous documentary films and educational programmes. We are also active in the preservation of our heritage, as well as in education and raising interest in this period in history.

Battles and Skirmishes

Battles, or major musters as we prefer to call them, provide an opportunity for the entire membership of the Society to participate in presenting a spectacle with hundreds of foot soldiers on each side, fully supported by cavalry, artillery and camp followers. Skirmishes are smaller displays that typically concentrate on of the role of the foot soldiers in the civil war. Battles and skirmishes can be used to illustrate the story of historical engagements, perhaps on, or close to the original sites, or to demonstrate the military tactics of seventeenth century warfare in a typical, but otherwise fictional, encounter.

Our membership is nationwide so these events give an opportunity for meeting many old friends and socialising with like-minded people in a friendly atmosphere far removed from 21st century cares.

Living History

At our Living History events, the pace of life is a little slower. Question the soldiers in the camp or garrison, watch the ladies and gentlemen at their leisure or experience the smell of the I7th century as the cooks prepare the meals. These activities can be supported by a variety of craftsmen and traders such as carpenters or scribes, physicians or cheese-makers. How often does one get the opportunity to ask a living craftsman (or woman) about their 17th century skills?

There is always great interest in our Living History events, at which the audience can experience close contact with the participants, asking questions and examining the clothing, weapons and artefacts. They provide an opportunity for our members to expand their knowledge and skills and to pass their learning on in a direct and informative way, without the need of any acting ability!

This combination of military and domestic living history has proved very popular with audiences of all age groups, and especially with visiting school parties.

Drill Displays

Drill displays are ideal for displaying the complex infantry weapon-handling techniques and battlefield formations of the early 17th century. A small cannon will sometimes be included in the display to demonstrate artillery practices.

At these smaller events the military drill and weapon handling techniques of the civil war period are demonstrated, usually by a single regiment or brigade of the King's Army or the Roundhead Association. They give an opportunity for our members to display their mastery of the skill and control required to handle musket and pike and to perform intricate manoeuvres. These skills are not always obvious to an audience in the apparent confusion of a battle!

The venues for this type of event range from market places in busy towns to village greens in rural areas. They are friendly affairs that often allow the audience to enjoy a measure of social interaction with the participants before and after the displays.

School Visits

A volunteer society such as ours may not always be able to able to meet requests for school visits but we are always keen to offer support where we can. This would usually involve a visit to a school by a small group (5 or fewer) costumed Society members offering an interactive experience for the pupils.

Although most of our military displays are staged over a weekend, we can sometimes extend our living history activities to include an extra day or two during the week to allow visits from organized school parties. To find out whether it might be possible for one of our living history events to be adapted to include school visit days, please contact our Muster Secretary. School visits by individuals or small groups is also sometimes possible. Please email our Schools Visits Officer for more information.

Media Events

Our knowledge, costumes, weapons and other artifacts can be put to good use for promotional purposes, or in support of film and TV productions. Requests for the participation of costumed ECWS members in media or commercial promotional activities should be e-mailed to .