The Harrying of the North
Last weekend Acle were invited to Murton Park - here’s everything you need to know.
Battle ready - Acle group leader Stuart with members Paul, Devon, Liam, Sam and Charlie before the final battle at Murton Park 2023.
The year: 1069. The king: William the Conqueror. Three years on from his success at the Battle of Hastings, William is determined to have full control over the North. William sends his Norman armies to northern towns and villages like Murton, demanding they cease their rebellion and accept defeat. However, the Saxons of the North are not prepared to give up their lands quite so easily.
Used to donning our earlier Saxon kit, we were excited to dig out our 11th Century clothing for the occasion. Our combatants were also fighting on the Norman side with our friends from Vanguard which meant kite shields and battle cries of ’Normandy!’ in support of the new King of England. On the Saxon side, Stronghold were fiercely protecting the village of Murton from attack.
Saturday saw the Normans approaching the village and demanding that the people surrender. However, the Saxon rebels were determined not to give up without a fight. So just outside the village walls, our first battle took place. In a clash of swords, spears and shields, combatants from Acle, Vanguard and Stronghold fought bravely as javelins and arrows flew overhead. The result: 1-0 to the Saxons of Murton.
The Normans fled, which spurred the troops from Murton on. Later that day, a band of Saxon combatants from Stronghold decided to attack the nearby Norman fortress. They battered down the main gates, but as they entered the fortress, the Acle combatants flanked the army from the east side causing panic from the Saxons. Despite their valiant efforts, the Saxons came out on top, leaving the fortress in ruin. The score was now 2-0 to the Saxons and the village of Murton was safe for another day.
The two camps slept uneasily wondering what the morning would bring. A storm broke out, lightning flashed and thunder roared above. Owls, foxes and other creatures stalked the Acle tents, Vanguard fortress and Stronghold houses in the village. With every sound the combatants on both sides grew wary and it felt like forever until the sun rose over Murton again.
Acle and Vanguard troops on the Norman side of the battle at the fortress.
Sunday morning came and trouble was brewing yet again. The Saxons, still full of confidence from their victory the previous day, were at the Norman fortress. This time though, Norman reinforcements arrived unexpectedly. There were a number of clashes including a cavalry charge led by Equistry and this led to a win from the Acle and Vanguard Normans. The Saxons retreated back to their village and both sides began making plans for the final battle. 2:1.
At approximately 3pm the Normans marched on the usually tranquil village of Murton. The Stronghold Saxons closed the gates to the village but this was no match for the flaming arrows shot by the Normans which sent the village up into smoke. Choking troops and villagers ran out, terrified, met by the Acle and Vanguard Normans who picked off their prey. There was one last clash with the remaining Saxons but at this point the victory was the Normans’. William took Murton and another village succumbed to the famous Harrying of the North.
Even though were were met with a thunder plump on the Saturday night which took the entire group to hold the awning down, we all really enjoyed the event at Murton Park. It was an honour to have been invited by two fantastic indie groups; Stronghold and Vanguard, and a pleasure to share the battlefield with them. It gave our combatants a great opportunity to fight with a large group too. All the combatants did a tremendous job fighting in 28 degree heat so hats (and helmets!) off to them. Of course, the non-combatants Wendy, Charlotte, Scarlet and baby Cassian were cheering our troops on from the sideline. We may have indulged in a very authentic Solero at one point too (hey the weather was very warm!).
Acle combatants taking a well-deserved lie down after fighting in 28 degree heat at Murton Park.
Written by: Charlotte Fielding