A major battle which took place on the outskirts of Chester more than 350 years ago has been brought to life in a mural produced by pupils at Saighton Church of England Primary School.
Children from the rural primary school were asked by Saighton Village Hall Committee to commemorate the Battle of Rowton Moor and have produced a striking piece of art work, supervised by professional Artist in Residence Julie Mitchell.
Members of the committee, more than a hundred school children and teachers – as well as members of the Chester Civil War Tours and artist, Julie Mitchell – welcomed His Grace, the Duke of Westminster, to unveil the mural at Saighton Village Hall, on the Eaton Estate, on Tuesday, May 12.
Headteacher Mavis Sellers said: “The children have really enjoyed working on this special project and it is amazing to think that such an important part of our country’s history was acted out right on our doorstep. The children are all very proud of what they have created and were delighted that the Duke took the time to come and see them and officially unveil the mural.”
The committee felt that the battle should be more prominently marked locally and wanted to involve the school children in a community project which was relevant to them, particularly as it is likely that the Royalist Army passed through the village on its way to the battle in the fields between Rowton and Saighton.
The Duke was welcomed to the village hall by the Village Hall Committee, headteacher and pupils and their class teacher dressed in Civil War costume before watching the children re-enact the hostilities.
His Grace said: “The staff and pupils from the school have really brought the story of the famous battle to life. It was a privilege to be invited to unveil this excellent mural which I hope will ensure that visitors to the village, and its important place in history, will be remembered for years to come.”
The Battle of Rowton Moor took place on September 24, 1645, when Royalists led by King Charles I, who it is claimed watched from the safety of the city walls, were defeated by a Parliamentarian force in a bloody battle lasting a whole day.
