THE tactics and events of the historic Battle of Worcester, 351 years ago, are examined by a Malvern historian in his latest book.

Tony Spicer, of West Malvern Road, has researched and compiled a comprehensive analysis of the battle, which took place in September 1651 covering ground from Upton-upon-Severn to Worcester itself.

The clash between King Charles II's Royalist forces and Oliver Cromwell's Parliamen-tarians has been called a turning point in history, as it marked the end of series of civil wars that had wracked Britain and Ireland since 1642.

It secured seven years of rule for the victor, Cromwell, although Charles II, forced to flee for safety after his defeat, returned to power in 1660 after Cromwell's death.

The book includes historical accounts of the battle, maps and photographs of the battlefield as it is today.

The battle itself was recreated for the 350th anniversary last year and a memorial was also created to the Scot troops who fell in the Royalist cause.

The book chronicles the days leading up to the battle, from Charles arriving in Worcester and Cromwell's advance through Upton and the subsequent storming and fall of the Faithful City. In all, over 3,000 men were killed.

Mr Spicer studied history at Bristol University and the London School of Economics. He has worked as a solicitor in Worcester for over 20 years and since 1992 has been an active member of the Battle-fields Trust.

The publisher, Manchester-based Paddy Griffith of Paddy Griffith Associates, described Mr Spicer's work as an excellent interpretation of the last battle of the English civil wars.

"Tony Spicer has provided interesting new explanations of the location of the bridge of boats, and of the Royalist artillery train. The book is already selling very well in the area of the battlefield," he said.

Mr Spicer will give a talk on the Battle of Worcester on Friday, November 8, at Christchurch Hall in Malvern. The evening begins at 7pm and tickets are £5, available from Beacon Books and Just So in Malvern.

The Battle of Worcester, 1651 is available now, priced £5.95.