SIR - There is plenty of evidence that Worcester was known as the Faithful City long before the Civil War. The late alderman Sir Hubert Leicester concluded the origins to be "obscured in the mists of antiquity", suggesting it may have had something to do with Bishop Wulfstan's oath of allegiance to William of Normandy.

When a revolt occurred, he mobilised the citizens of Worcester and went to the assistance of Ursa, Sheriff of Evesham, in suppressing it. Nevertheless Worcester was a Royalist stronghold and no doubt the defenders regarded themselves as being faithful. In the defeat of the Battle of Worcester one would hardly expect widespread rejoicing or commemoration, just a desire to return to normality but loyalties would have persisted. And probably still do.

I remember an alderman of the city almost coming to blows with the chairman of a Cromwellian Association over the installation of a commemorative plaque on Sidbury bridge.

John Hinton, Worcester.