Charity given £100,000 for battlefield project

A charity has been awarded almost £100,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to highlight the historical significance of a battlefield.

The Battle of Naseby took place in 1645 in Naseby, Northamptonshire, and was a turning point in the English Civil War.

The Naseby Battlefield Project has been granted £99,850 to support the Our Naseby, Our Heritage programme, which aims to engage young people and veterans about the battle through educational initiatives, tours and workshops.

Mark Linnell, chair of the project, said: "[The funding] will enable us to transform the awareness and appreciation of just what went on [at Naseby] on 14 June 1645, and the effect it had on this country."

The battle's aftermath eventually transformed the role of Parliament.

It changed it from being an infrequent event, which was called largely just to raise the King's money, to a permanent governing institution.

The conflict also helped to end the monopoly of the Church of England over religious worship.

The lottery funding will go towards creating digital exhibitions, in-person learning events and a social media campaign for the charity.

The project also hoped to recruit new volunteers to the Naseby Battlefield Project, as well as hiring staff to run learning events and tours of the Naseby battlefield for schools, youth groups and veterans.

Mr Linnell added: "The grant will play a major role in helping to preserve the battlefield and carry out further conservation work where needed."

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.