THE banners of the Civil War will once again fly high in Worcester skies, celebrating the city's unique role in this pivotal era which helped sow the seeds of democracy.

The bright and colourful banners of the English Civil War have been revived once more as part of the Historic Banner Project set to go on trial in a national first, cementing Worcester's reputation as the UK's premier 'civil war city'.

The hope is that around 16 banners will be installed in Copenhagen Street in Worcester with the possibility the project could be rolled out to other parts of the city in future years.

The project has been organised by the Battle of Worcester Society, in partnership with Worcester Sixth Form College, Royal Grammar School Worcester, and Heart of Worcestershire College.

Described by organisers as 'a groundbreaking initiative to honour Worcester’s unique position in English Civil War history', the project will see the creation of historical banners that symbolise Worcester’s pivotal role.

STRIKING: A closer look at the Royal banner of Charles Stuart which would have been unfurled during the the Battle of WorcesterSTRIKING: A closer look at the Royal banner of Charles Stuart which would have been unfurled during the the Battle of Worcester (Image: Supplied by Daniel Daniels)

Worcester was front and centre at both the war’s beginning with the Battle of Powick Bridge in 1642 and its end with the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Worcester’s banners will be authentically hand painted by local students, guided by their teachers and the Battle of Worcester Society.

These creations will echo the designs and emblems of the 17th-century regiments offering a visual journey through Worcester’s historical landscape. Pending council planning approval, the first banners will be displayed in Copenhagen Street in summer 2025, establishing a vibrant, history inspired addition to the city’s streets.

The project has already seen a remarkable start, with Chris Hodson, Art and Design Technician of Worcester Sixth Form College creating a stunning initial banner, setting the tone for the historically authentic work that will follow.

Daniel Daniels, Chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society, said: "This 'living history' project aims to transform Worcester into an immersive Civil War experience, the first city in Britain to adorn such a project.

"By enriching key locations with historically accurate banners, the city will bring its Civil War legacy to life, inviting both residents and visitors to engage with its past in a dynamic and educational way. This initiative not only showcases Worcester’s strategic role as the setting of both the first and last battles of the Civil War but also positions the city as a major destination for heritage tourism.

“The banner project is a tribute to Worcester’s historical significance and a powerful way to connect our community and visitors to the events that shaped our country. We are thrilled to see Worcester students actively bringing this legacy to life through their art and historical insight. Senior leaders at Worcester City Council are very supportive of the project.”

Ed Senior, Worcester Sixth Form College Principal, said: "I am pleased that the College has the opportunity to collaborate on the Banner Project to celebrate the rich history of Worcester. I am proud that Chris Hodson, a colleague at WSFC, has created an inspirational piece of art which will encourage students in Worcester and beyond to engage with the project and I am confident that the artistic talent and creativity of our young people will result in a fantastic array of banners that can be appreciated by the whole community."

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John Pitt, Headmaster of RGS Worcester, said, “We are delighted to be supporting the Banner project which will engage our pupils working with our History and Textiles departments and is another way of bringing the past alive for them and for others. As a History teacher, I know that it is good to have different ways of engaging with the past and Worcester played such a significant part in the English Civil War. The banners will celebrate this and demonstrate the City’s rich history in a bright and interesting way. As one of the oldest schools in the country, we felt that RGS Worcester should be involved in such an unusual and interesting project.”

Michelle Dowse, Principal and CEO at Heart of Worcestershire College said: “The English Civil War started and ended in the heart of Worcestershire, so it’s fitting that we are involved in this fascinating project which celebrates the city’s focal role in one of the most turbulent periods in our history. Our Art and Design students love a challenge, and this Historic Banner Project promises to be something they’ll not only relish but will take pride in and remember for years to come.”