A bid to bring one of England’s most overlooked Civil War clashes back into the spotlight is gathering pace, as a new community project aims to retell the story of a brutal battle that shaped the nation’s future.
The Last Bastion project has been launched to commemorate the Battle of Torrington in 1646, with organisers hoping to establish an annual event that both remembers the tragedy and celebrates the culture and history of North Devon.
The project focuses on the role of Roborough, which lay along the route taken by the New Model Army as it marched towards Torrington. Historical accounts describe how troops led by General Fairfax, alongside Oliver Cromwell, passed through the area before engaging Royalist forces.
According to the project, the battle marked a decisive moment in the English Civil War. It was the last major opportunity for Royalist forces to challenge Parliament’s army, with intense fighting reported across the approaches to Torrington. Resistance eventually collapsed following an explosion of gunpowder stored in the town’s church, bringing a violent end to the conflict.
The organisers say the impact of the day extended far beyond the battlefield. They link the события to wider political change, noting that decades later the Glorious Revolution established that the monarch could act only with the consent of Parliament.
The initiative also seeks to highlight the experiences of local people who witnessed the الأحداث first-hand. Villages such as Roborough would have been filled with soldiers, horses and camp followers, placing significant strain on communities as armies moved through the area.
As part of the project, residents are being invited to take part in a series of drama workshops in June. Participants will work with organisers Margaret Jewell, Amanda May and Robert Barber to create a short theatre piece inspired by the historical events. The production is expected to be rehearsed later in the year ahead of a performance at Torrington Town and Community Hall.
Earlier this year, two pilot events were held to mark the anniversary. One involved a walk by veterans retracing the route from Chulmleigh to Torrington, followed by a procession and remembrance at the burial mound in the church. A second event featured a talk examining the circumstances surrounding the gunpowder explosion.
Robert Barber said the response had encouraged organisers to expand the programme in future years. He is now inviting people with an interest in history or the arts to get involved, adding that no prior theatre experience is required.
Those wishing to take part can contact Mr Barber by email at randjquest@gmail.com or by phone on 07875587392.
