Battle of Shrewsbury, 1403

A few years ago, with a desperate need to get out of the house, I attended a number of 1940s events and - with the invaluable help of Progressive Publishing House - put together a 1940s-themed book. My appetite for such things whetted, a couple of years later I attended and wrote about a re-enactment of the Battle of Nantwich from the English Civil War, that took place in 1644. However, it wasn’t until July 2025 that I finally made it to another gig, an hour’s drive away: The Battle of Shrewsbury. It had been a long time and I was looking forward to it!

THE BUILD UP

Having driven an hour south, I parked, grabbed my camera bag and approached the battlefield. What a sight! Cloud-filled skies rolled above a sea of tents: a small village erected overnight by eager participants. Enthusiasts had come from near and far, eager to partake.

With the battle not until mid-afternoon, I enjoyed the atmosphere and met some characters. This interaction, scene-setting, and portrait photography were as important as the battle. People didn’t just appear out of nowhere; armies travelled long distances, often with families, to assemble, pitch tents, sharpen or blunt weapons, and prepare last meals before donning armour. I was captivated by the sights and sounds. Unlike street photography, I could freely converse with re-enactors, planning my next weekend away.

Seeking cinematic moments, I thought some tents and re-enactors needed to look grubbier, but wealth was evident in luxury tents with animal pelts and embroidery.

Re-enactment is more than a hobby; it’s a passion and lifestyle. Mediaeval crafts are practiced to educate visitors and recreate the period authentically, with gear costing up to £1,000 and full armour over £25,000. Authentic utensils, furniture, and tents add significant costs.

It’s heartening to see families enjoying this. I watched a boy eager as his dad cut cheese, with roasting joints and chickens promising delicious meals, though the smoky cooking left clothes and sinuses affected. Passing through the encampment, I noticed details: armour ready outside, reflective clouds, and a monk's pale face under black robes.

THE BATTLE

The Battle of Shrewsbury itself took place 21 July 1403. Henry Bolingbroke had usurped the throne from his cousin Richard II with the aid of the powerful Percy family. Warring was - and still is - a costly business and the Percy’s, including Henry (Hotspur) Percy were demanding they be repaid huge debts from 1399. The assertion was that the King was withholding the funds but more than likely he was broke and unable to make financial reparations, although King Henry IV’s refusal to ransom Scottish nobles aggravated things and only battle would serve to resolve matters.

It’s estimated that 14,000 Royals and 10,000 Rebels took to the battle field that day. In modern times that may not sound like a huge number but, to put things in perspective, the population of the UK was only 2.5 million back then, not the 70 million of today. The forces involved in the re-enactment were considerably smaller - just a few hundred in fact - but to enjoy the spectacle you needed to buy into the scenes being played out, and the skilful narration that accompanied it helped tremendously.

The key protagonists sat astride their battle horses set the tone. Negotiations over, flag bearers proudly held colours aloft and battle ensued. War cries filled the air as the troops stepped forward to engage before the din and clash of steel on steel mixed with the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ of the captivated onlookers. An example of war’s calculating manner was exemplified when a cumbersome man-at-arms was wrestled to the ground and, merely wounded, was stabbed by long handled staves to ensure he was dead. Clearly not wealthy enough to keep alive to ransom.

As archers fired a volley of arrows into the air and some met their mark with a dull thud, it was interesting to think that some of this fighting force were subsequently used to good effect in the monumental Battle of Agincourt, twelve years later, in 1415.

Faced with an inevitable outcome to the battle, some on the field took to acting, throwing out amusing - albeit inaccurate - lines to the onlooking crowd, much to the annoyance of one particular participant who would have preferred history to have been more accurately portrayed. Some might argue that it’s dumbing down but it was fun. Many people, like myself, don’t like their history lessons to be too dry and stuffy and the sight of dead bodies being stripped of valuables was a stark reminder of how things actually were, irrespective of such arguments. In the foreground, just beyond the safety ropes, a knight fell to his knees and sent a prayer heavenward, presumably seeking mercy: for him the battle lost and the re-enactment concluded.

THE AFTERMATH

Afterwards, with tired bodies leaving field in ragged groups, those who had not partaken of the battle itself counted the combatants back in as - even at re-enactments - a hefty blow or swing askew can leave the occasional participant needing medical attention. I did see a woman aghast as she caught sight of one such wound suffered, whilst another, on spying her partner, sympathised with him for his minor injury, caressed his chin and planted a loving kiss on his cheek, thankful for his safe return. It was all quite touching really and made for good theatre.

As you might expect, many a mug of ale was swigged after such thirsty work but unlike the battle that took place centuries before, there was no need for weeping and wailing, just the expression of camaraderie, banter and roasted meats to follow.

Tomorrow will feel like Groundhog Day to some as they throw back the bedsheets in their canvas bedrooms, the result inevitable, history repeated once again. It’s hard for those on the losing side, you may think, but it’s not all doom and gloom. History may not always be glorious but reliving it can be cathartic. These guys love doing this.