The sound of cannon fire could be heard at the end of the Nineties as members of the Sealed Knot gave a history lesson to the folk of East Lancashire.

In period correct costume, society members spent their weekends travelling around the country, putting on displays.

In 1998 they visited St Augustine’s, Billington, and the following year they camped in the grounds of Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham.

Their they staged a Living History weekend which included a re-enactment of the Battle of Read Bridge, one of the most famous battles of the English Civil War.

In the original battle in 1643 around 4,000 Royalist troops commanded by the Earl of Derby were based in Whalley.

A Parliamentarian force of 400 men effectively ambushed them as they approached Read Old Bridge. Under constant musket fire, the forces loyal to the king retreated and Whalley fell to republican army.

Hundreds turned out in 1999 to watch a re-enactment.