Memorial to Civil War battle (From Western Telegraph)

Memorial to Civil War battle

The 150 soldiers who died in the Civil War Battle of Colby Moor, near Wiston, in 1645 have had to wait 358 years for an appropriate memorial. The 30 local members of the famous Sealed Knot re-enactment society, who have been commemorating the battle for the past seven or eight years, felt a permanent memorial was needed.

And Sunday will see the dedication of their tomb in the parish churchyard at Wiston. Local children this week traced the route of the retreating Royalists who were cut down by the opposing Parliamentarians as they fled towards Haverfordwest.

Local historian and Sealed Knot member Terry John said local tradition suggests that some of the dead were buried in the churchyard and that seemed the most appropriate focus for the commemorations.

The battle was a triumph for Major General Rowland Laugharne and his 1,100 Parliamentarians from Pembroke Castle, who faced 1,500 Royalists from Haverfordwest Castle on Colby Moor.

"For the first hour the battle was indecisive, but then Laugharne launched a cavalry charge which scattered the Royalists and caused them to retreat down the lanes towards Haverfordwest," he said. "Despite a desperate last stand at Crundale Rath, the Royalists were routed and Haverfordwest Castle fell a day or two later.

"The battle, though small, had an important effect on the outcome of the Civil War in Wales, driving the Royalists out of Pembrokeshire."

The memorial dedication will take place after 11am eucharist on Sunday and a village fete will follow with a Sealed Knot display and the ladies providing 17th century fare.