PICTURES: 750th anniversary of the Battle of Chesterfield

Events took place in the town centre yesterday to commemorate the occasion.

As well as music and dancing, there was also a Swords of Mercia demonstration.

The highlight of the day was a re-enactment of Robert Ferrers being brought out of the Crooked Spire and paraded through town on a medieval-style cart.

He was then ‘tried’ and banished from Chesterfield.

A march involving a number of organisations – including schools, clubs and community groups – also took place.

The hit event was organised by the Chesterfield 750 group.

Spokesman Peter Gray said: “On behalf of the Chesterfield 750 group, I’d like to thank all those groups and individuals who made the event such a success.

“A rare spectacle unfolded itself in New Square and all those who attended, in whatever capacity,

can feel sure that they did the town proud.”

The Battle of Chesterfield, which took place in and around the town on May 15, 1266, involved baronial and royalist forces.

Historical literature states that the baronial leaders – including Baldwin Wake, the Lord of Chesterfield, and Ferrers, the Earl of Derby – clashed with royalist forces led by Henry of Almain, nephew to Henry III.

The royalists used wagons to gain entry to the town. A bloody battle ensued and the royalist forces eventually won.

Wake escaped the fighting and joined other disinherited barons at the Isle of Axholme. Ferrers was captured, taken ‘in irons’ to London and ‘totally disinherited’ later that year.