Nottinghamshire’s National Civil War Centre in Newark is launching a haul of fearsome and exquisite armour from the 17th century, including the sword once wielded by the Parliamentarian commander-in-chief.
Recently acquired by the museum chiefs, the collection means the centre now has the largest collection of such material outside the Royal Armouries in Leeds and London.
Going on display on Thursday (March 29) are rapier swords, a helmet struck by a blade, iron breastplates with musket ball dents and siege helmets to protect wearers from shrapnel.
Most have never before been seen in public before, and the collection includes the sword of Thomas Fairfax, who commanded all Parliamentarian armies, alongside rare items given to him by Oliver Cromwell.
Fairfax joined Parliamentary forces when the English Civil War broke out in 1642.
Early in 1645, parliament decided to form a new, more professional army and Fairfax was made commander-in-chief, with Oliver Cromwell in charge of the cavalry. Fairfax moulded what became known as the New Model Army into a disciplined fighting force and in June, the army inflicted a serious defeat on the Royalists at Naseby.
The £5 million centre, which opened three years ago on Appleton Gate in Newark, is dedicated to the 17th century civil wars and also runs an interactive town trail.
The National Civil War Centre is open daily 10am to 5pm. Admission costs £8 for adults, concessions £7, children 5-16 £3.50 and under-5s go free.
