A PEACEFUL hillside erupted with the sounds of fighting – 362 years after hosting a battle widely credited as being the birth of democracy.

Fort Royal, Worcester, was at the heart of the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651, which saw Charles II defeated by the Parliamentary forces, led by Oliver Cromwell, in the final battle of the English Civil War.

To mark the occasion, a Drumhead Service of Remembrance took place featuring re-enactors in full costume processing to the park where a specially-commissioned bronze plaque was unveiled on the former battlefield.

Sculptor Kenneth Potts said: “I am delighted that the Fort Royal sculpture has found its home at last thanks to the hard work of the Battle of Worcester Society and their joint funding with Worcester City Council.

“The savage action fought on Fort Royal sealed the fate of Charles II’s attempt to gain the throne.

“At about 5pm, Cromwell’s troops over-ran Fort Royal and turned the cannon on the defenceless city below. Charles, who was present in the fort, made a dash for Sidbury Gate, seen in the middle distance of the sculpture, narrowly avoiding capture.

“Later that evening he made his famous escape,” said Mr Potts.

The scene featured in the bronze is based on research, advice from historians and contemporary accounts, said Mr Potts.

“Hopefully, the sculpture will give a sense of what the battle was like 362 years ago on this peaceful hillside.”

Three specially-designed interpretation boards, which give historic information about the Civil War, were also unveiled.

The city council has invested about £220,000 in Fort Royal Park, including funding for three new play areas which have been inspired by the site’s Civil War history.

Work on the play areas is underway and they are due to be officially opened in the early autumn.

The site was visited by the second and third presidents of the United States of America, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.They were keen to see the former Battle of Worcester site, regarding it as the place where democracy was effectively born.