THE sound of canon fire is drawing close as the Cavaliers once again march towards Bolton this weekend.

Roundheads and Cavaliers will once again face each other as the English Civil War plays out in the town again — almost 375 years since the heavily Parliamentarian town was captured by Royalist forces under Prince Rupert.

As Bolton prepares to once again witness one of the bloodiest periods in the history of the town, children from across the borough have this week been learning about the days of the English Civil War – with the help of the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote, the local regiment of the Sealed Knot re-enactment society.

Children experienced life as musketeers, pikemen, ensigns and drummers. They donned 17th century military gear, took part in drills and learned how to protect the colours from cavalry.

The young historians found out about what life would have been like for the people living in the town, including details about their religious beliefs and medical care, and took part in activities such as comparing modern and historical maps to see what has changed and what has stayed the same.

Philip Britton, head of Bolton School boys division, said: “This weekend, July 7 and 8, local people have a wonderful free opportunity to relive the ‘Storming of Bolton’ battle re-enactment from the English Civil War, which will take place on the school campus.

“It should be a spectacular and colourful living history event re-enacted by the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote, the local branch of the Sealed Knot re-enactment society.

“There will be an ‘encampment’ on both days from 10am to 4pm, which will include a fun scavenger hunt, a chance to listen to a fire-and-brimstone Puritan preacher and to visit the apothecary and discover the Gong Farmer’s smelly secret — but watch out for the rat catcher.

“A display will educate visitors on what it was like to be a Parliamentarian soldier and spectators can watch muskets firing as they drill for battle.

“The main battle will commence at 1pm on each day.

“Visitors are encouraged to walk to the site if at all possible as parking around the school will be limited.”