Huntingdon Market Square was alive with the sound of battle drums on Saturday as members of the Sealed Knot Society attended an event to mark the 375th anniversary of the start of the English Civil War.

Visitors were transported back to 1642 when Huntingdon MP Oliver Cromwell was raising troops and preparing for war. The event was organised by the Cromwell Museum Trust and opened by the current Huntingdon MP, Jonathan Djanogly, and the town’s mayor Jay Dyne.

Event coordinator John Davies said: “Despite the rain it went very well and the number of people visiting the museum on Saturday was up considerably.”

The history books show that Oliver Cromwell recruited troops at the Falcon Inn and attended school in the museum building, in Grammar School Walk. The font where he was christened is still in existence at All Saints Church.

Seal Knot members from the Pickering Regiment were on the streets of Huntingdon on Saturday asking members of the public which side they would have joined had they been around in Cromwell’s day.

Most people chose to stand with Parliament,” said Mr Davies.

He added: “As well as the military display, there were lots of children’s events and family activities. We hope events like these stir people’s interest in the town’s history and they come and see what else is on offer at the museum.”

INFO: Anyone interested in finding out more or arranging a speaker for their organisation should contact the museum on 01480 708008.