Leeds 400: Earl of Manchester's Regiment of Foote Historical Re-enactment

The Earl of Manchester's Regiment of Foote are taking over St John the Evangelist's Church on Saturday 24 October, bringing a slice of the English Civil War to the city centre. It's a historical re-enactment put on by the Sealed Knot society, and it's free to attend.

If you've never come across them, the Sealed Knot are a re-enactment society that does exactly what the name suggests: they dress in period costume and recreate the drills and skirmishes of the 17th century. On the day, you'll see them demonstrating pike and sword work and musket fire, so there's a fair bit of movement and noise to it. Between the drills, they'll be showing traditional crafts and talking through Civil War history, so you can stop and ask questions if you're curious about how any of it actually worked.

The venue is a big part of the story here. St John the Evangelist's is the oldest church in Leeds city centre, completed just before the Civil War broke out. During the Battle of Leeds in January 1643, its churchyard walls actually formed part of the Royalist defences, so the regiment is performing on ground that saw the real thing. It's now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.

The whole thing is part of Leeds 400, a year-long programme marking four centuries since Leeds received its first Royal Charter from King Charles I on 13 July 1626. That charter was the start of the city's journey towards self-governance and city status, so the re-enactment sits within a wider look at the city's history. You'll find the church at 23 New Briggate, LS2 8JA, and entry is free.