OTLEY residents and visitors will be able to experience a taste of the 17th Century this weekend.

Some 200 English Civil War Society members will be donning uniforms to recreate a battle, featuring muskets, pikes and cannon, on Saturday, and Sunday.

Those attending will be able to cheer on the Roundheads or Cavaliers at Prince Henry's Grammar School's sports field on both days, when the daily skirmish will begin at 2pm.

The Road to Marston Moor will feature more than just the battles, though, with a full 'living history' exhibition, demonstrating the culinary, craft and weapon-making skills of the period, running from noon to 4pm on both days.

Otley Pub Club has organised the free event as a way of celebrating local history, as Cromwell's troops are believed to have drunk The Black Bull pub in town dry on the eve of the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644.

It was originally intended to take place at Wharfemeadows Park, but logistical reasons – including an expectation of large crowds – meant a change of venue to the nearby school fields.

Free parking will also be available at the school's lower car park on the Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.

Pub Club secretary, Bob Brook, is looking forward to an exciting weekend.

He said: "Otley Pub Club would like to thank Otley Town Council, Otley BID and Otley’s three Leeds City councillors for helping to fund the event.

"We also thank estate agents Hardisty and Co and Dacre, Son & Hartley, and national companies Punch Taverns and Waitrose, for their sponsorship. We wouldn’t have been able to put on this amazing event without their help."

Residents near the school are being warned to expect some loud bangs from the muskets and cannon on each afternoon, and dog walkers are being advised to avoid the area between midday and 4pm.

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