A CELEBRATION of civil war heritage held in Ripple has seen the likes of eminent historians and local politicians get involved.
MP for West Worcestershire, Dame Harriett Baldwin, joined local people and historians at St Mary’s Church in the village of Ripple to meet volunteers who support the church and hear about its history.
A battle took place in the village in 1643 with the Royalists prevailing over the Parliamentarians who were attempting to take control of the bridge over the river at Upton-upon-Severn.
St Mary’s Church is itself steeped in history with a popular bell tower, ornate 15th Century wooden carved choir stalls and an historic bible.
She was joined on the tour by a number of renowned scholars including professors from Johns Hopkins University in the United States and learned about the village’s more recent history as the base of the Civil War re-enactment society, Sealed Knot.
Dame Harriett’s visit coincided with a Heritage Open Days event at the church. She has supported the church’s volunteers with a bid to fund repairs and improvements from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Dame Harriett said: “The West Worcestershire countryside has a wide and varied history and there have been a number of historic Civil War battles at the crucial river Severn crossings.
“We are immensely proud of our heritage and I was delighted to be invited to return to the historic St Mary’s Church in Ripple to help to spread the word.
“Our churches are often our most beautiful buildings and they tell the story of our history. I hope people will be encouraged to visit churches like this and find out more about the part West Worcestershire has played in our national narrative.”
