Event to explore town's role in Civil War

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.

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."

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.

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.