Battle of Shrewsbury Weekend 2022
With re-enactments, period displays, stalls and local food, the Battle of Shrewsbury weekend will return to mark the infamous 1403 skirmish
Running from 23-24 July, 2022, the Battle of Shrewsbury living history weekend is set to recognise one of the bloodiest confrontations on British soil. The free two-day event, which takes place on part of the original battlefield, transports visitors back to 15th century Shropshire for an array of medieval activities and experiences. Spectators will be able to see knights and archers pitched against each other on the field, while those keen to learn more about the period’s daily life can immerse themselves in traditional crafts, cookery and more.
The battle itself was fought between the Lancastrian King Henry IV and the rebel army led by Henry ‘Hotspur’ Percy on 21 July, 1403. During the notorious struggle, Henry, Prince of Wales (and future
King Henry V), received an arrow to the face and the Royal Banner fell, prompting Hotspur to charge at the Lancastrian lines. The rebel leader was subsequently killed; however, widespread confusion led to the initial belief that Henry IV had died rather than Henry Percy. Nevertheless, the Battle of Shrewsbury was ultimately a decisive royalist victory, the Prince of Wales recovered, and the rebellion was crushed. It would become renowned as the first documented time that English longbows were used by both sides and laid the foundations for the War of the Roses decades later.
Matthew Howarth, the event’s organiser, says: “It is vital that we help educate the history and importance of the battle, the battlefield and the early 15th century to future generations. As the event grows, we will be developing it further to include education days and pop-up events for schools and community groups within the West Midlands and Cheshire.”