A musket volley thundered through the air as the city fell silent to remember those thousands slain during a pivotal battle which helped change the course of history forever.

The annual remembrance parade and Drumhead Service to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Worcester took place in the city on Tuesday.

The service marked the anniversary of the Battle of Worcester, fought on September 3, 1651 which resulted in a victory for the Parliamentary forces over the Royalist armies of Charles Stuart, later Charles II, who fled the city.

HISTORY: Daniel Daniels (centre), chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, with Mel Allcott, the Mayor of Worcester and Sergeants at Mace HISTORY: Daniel Daniels (centre), chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, with Mel Allcott, the Mayor of Worcester and Sergeants at Mace (Image: Will Young)

The day began with the planting of an oak tree in Fort Royal Park to commemorate the battle before re-enactors, dressed in period regalia, mustered in the city's Cornmarket at 6pm.

From there they assembled with the Mayoral Party at Worcester Guildhall before the march to Fort Royal where the Drumhead Service was held. During the service there was a musket volley followed by a minute's silence, closed with a second musket volley. 

ROUTE: The parade makes its way past Worcester Cathedral ROUTE: The parade makes its way past Worcester Cathedral (Image: Will Young)

Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, gave a speech to commemorate the battle.

He began with a quote from Hugh Peters, the flamboyant parliamentarian Preacher, made shortly after the battle.

MILESTONE: The parade at Fort Royal Park where the Drumhead Service was held to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651 MILESTONE: The parade at Fort Royal Park where the Drumhead Service was held to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651 (Image: Will Young)

Peters said:  “When your wives and children shall ask you where you have been, and what news, say you have been at Worcester, where England’s sorrows began and where they are happily ended.” 

Mr Daniels said: "Today marks exactly 373 years since the Battle of Worcester, the decisive battle that ended the English Civil War  - the bloodiest conflict in British history. 

TRADITION: Mayor Mel Allcott and Daniel Daniels during the parade towards the Drumhead Service at Fort Royal Park TRADITION: Mayor Mel Allcott and Daniel Daniels during the parade towards the Drumhead Service at Fort Royal Park (Image: Will Young)

"One in 10 men perished, a toll more devastating than both world wars. As we remember this day, let us reflect on the profound cost of division and the enduring need for unity. 

"During the battle itself, some 3,000 soldiers were killed and countless Worcester civilians. Around 10,000 people were taken prisoner, many shipped to the colonies never to see their families again.

TRIBUTE: Lynn Denham, leader of Worcester City Council, and Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, planted an oak in Fort Royal Park to commemorate the Battle of Worcester TRIBUTE: Lynn Denham, leader of Worcester City Council, and Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, planted an oak in Fort Royal Park to commemorate the Battle of Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

"The battle was not just the final clash between the forces of King Charles II and those loyal to the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, but it was also the moment when the fate of the English monarchy was sealed, giving way to ideas that would lay the foundation for modern democracy.

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"Worcester was where the last hopes of Royalist resurgence were dashed. Cromwell’s victory at Worcester ended the English Civil War, leading to a brief period of republican rule and the eventual restoration of the monarchy under conditions that recognised the supremacy of Parliament."