THE usually peaceful town of St Ives was the scene of a raging battle at the weekend. The town’s ancient bridge was blown up as 450 soldiers, Roundheads and Cavaliers, horses, cannons and explosive devices bombarded the town.

THE usually peaceful town of St Ives was the scene of a raging battle at the weekend.

The town’s ancient bridge was blown up as 450 soldiers, Roundheads and Cavaliers, horses, cannons and explosive devices bombarded the town – and over 10,000 people enjoyed the show.

The dastardly deeds were all part of the celebrations for St Ives 900, marking nine centuries since the town was granted its charter by King Henry II.

Historical re-enactors, The Fairfax Battalia, who recreate scenes from the English Civil War, include people from Hemingford Grey, set up camp at St Ives Golf Club. There were drills, displays and battles on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the militia gathered in St Ives Market Square, near Oliver Cromwell’s statue and at 3pm blew up the old bridge on which stands a chapel.

The battle wore on through Sunday (with civilised tea breaks) and a great time was had by all.

Organiser on behalf of the St Ives 900 Committee, Annette Abelwhite, told The Hunts Post: “It was superb, it all went according to plan and everyone enjoyed themselves. This was the last of our three big events. It was all worthwhile. Before the first one, we were a bit scared but that got less and less as the events got larger and larger.”

Mrs Abelwhite said the highlights had been the blowing up of the bridge and the battle.

“The cannon was loud, the soldiers were impressive and the horse were huge. It was fantastic, we had no trouble, no incidents just a high quality community event which everyone could enjoy.”