The Battle of Marston Moor 2nd July 1644

Louise Whittaker gives us an overview of the Civil Wars battle which saw Charles I finally lose control of the north of England.

[@richln9682]

A clear and succinct summary done on a sunny Yorkshire day in a lovely local accent. Thanks vm!

[@mickymantle3233]

Thank you Louise. Good description.

[@1346crecy]

Thank you Louise another excellent presentation.

[@richardglady3009]

That was an amazing video. You did a fantastic job showing with the video what you were describing with you audio. You would surprised how hard others find this task. Thank you.

[@dryflyman7121]

During the Second World War there was a bomber base at Marston Moor. In the 1950’s my grandfather was a member of a shoot somewhere near Marston Moor / Tockwith and witnessed a very chilling experience. They were rough shooting through a wood and got separated. Suddenly one of the shoot members came running out of the trees all bedraggled, his clothes torn and his gun missing. He screamed and pleaded with Grandpa to come quickly as he had seen a plane crash on a runway at the other side of the wood and it was on fire with the crew still on board. I suppose in shock, Grandpa hurried to see if they could help but when the man arrived at the edge of the wood there was nothing. He couldn’t say anything, he had no explanation of what he’d seen and never spoke for the rest of the day, still in shock. They finished the days shooting. The following week this man was killed in a plane crash on his way to France. This whole area is very mystical.

[@louisewhittaker4301]

That was a chilling experience! I've heard stories about Marston Moor both in relation to the battle and the airbase, but not witnessed anything myself. Am not sure I'd care to!

[@louisewhittaker4301]

A Stirling Bomber crashed at Tockwith in 1945, shortly after the end of WWII. It was coming into land at RAF Marston Moor but the engine apparently stalled and it crashed into the main street instead, killing the village postmaster and all the crew. That there were no more civilian casualties was a miracle.

[@louisewhittaker2237]

Very spooky! There are a number of ghost stories associated with both the Civil Wars battle and the airfield, though I've not heard this one before. A bomber also crashed soon after WWII on the edge of Tockwith, destroying a couple of cottages. Sadly all the crew died, together with a couple of people from the village. A small memorial plane sculpture on the main street commemorates this.

[@stephenhunt2806]

Hi Louise, thanks for an excellent video. Is there a battlefield walk or do you need permission from the local farmers? Thanks Stephen

[@louisewhittaker4301]

Hi Stephen, Apologies for not replying sooner! It is difficult to walk across Marston Moor at present as yes you do need permission, and it isn't possible to walk solely on field paths Chris Rock and I are going to look at how we can do this safely, although it is likely to be in 2022.

[@stephenhunt2806]

@@louisewhittaker4301 Hi Louise, thanks for getting back to me. Better late than never! Could you keep me informed please of any developments please? Thanks Stephen

[@louisewhittaker4301]

@@stephenhunt2806 Will do. Thanks for your interest.

[@louisewhittaker2237]

@@stephenhunt2806 Hi Stephen. Better late than never indeed! We can usually get permission in advance to walk up the hill to Cromwell's Plump to get an overview of the battlefield. Thinking of doing another walk in July this year to commemorate the 380th anniversary.

[@stephenhunt2806]

@@louisewhittaker2237 Hi Louise, will the walk be advertised in the Battlefields Trust Magazine ?