WEYMOUTH and Portland rang to the sound of muskets and battle cries as the largest battle in Dorset’s history was remembered.

Members of the Portland Garrison re-enactment group together with other groups from around the country joined forces across the weekend to remember the Crabchurch Conspiracy.

During the English Civil War, fierce battles were fought across the borough as Royalists clashed with the Parliamentarian army.

Dressed in period costume and making the most of the historical sites in the borough, the groups held a weekend of activities.

They included re-enactments, sword-play workshops for children, 17th century cookery master classes and even a gruesome hanging re-enactment.

Dave Allan, from Pike and Shot Events Limited and the Portland Garrison, said it was important to keep the history alive.

He said: “It’s about remembering the largest battle and siege ever fought in Dorset. Four thousand five hundred Royalists stood against 900 Parliamentarians and the Parliamentarians won.”

Over the weekend the Garrison recreated the Royalist assault on Weymouth and Melcombe Regis on February 9, 1645.

On Saturday they followed one of two routes taken to attack the town and marched from Portland Castle to Chapelhay.

Then on Sunday they held a commemorative march from Sandsfoot Castle to the Pavilion and the Tall Ship Pelican where shots were fired to remember 240 members of the Inch Quinn Regiment who died, as well as the other soldiers who lost their lives in the battle.

On Sunday afternoon they re-enacted the trial and hanging of one of the conspirators outside the Nothe Fort.

Members of re-enactment group The King’s Ship Swan had travelled from Cornwall and Cheltenham to take part.

Member Duncan Mason said that re-enactment weekends were a chance to get out and do something a bit different.

He said: “You get to do something interesting, things like fighting on a tall ship.”

Portlander Julie Shields and her granddaughter Morgan Love, 11, were in the kitchens made up at the Old Town Hall in Chapelhay, showing visitors what foods would have been prepared. Among the treats on the menu were apple pie, Samphire seaweed from Portland beach and a pudding with onion and raisins.

Mrs Shields said: “I love bringing the social history to life.”

For more information about the Portland Garrison call Dave Allan on 07771824495.