English Civil War "soldiers" today revisited the site of one of the conflict's greatest battles to pay their respects to the fallen.

The Fairfax Battalia, part of the English Civil War Society, start their charity march from Marston Moor to York today Picture: Mike Tipping

Wreaths were laid at the Marston Moor Obelisk before about 60 authentically- uniformed members of the Fairfax Battalia marched to the centre of York.

The march was sponsored, with the red-coated soldiers and their women followers raising funds for the Evening Press Hospice 2000 Appeal and historic Barley Hall in York.

Their 11-mile route was through Long Marston, Askham Richard, Askham Bryan and Bishopthorpe, and their efforts were due to finish at about 5.45pm today with a march up Clifford Street, Coney Street and Stonegate to fall out at Barley Hall.

The Battalia, a leading Civil War re-enactment unit, is named after Thomas, Lord Fairfax, the leading Parliamentary general who accepted the surrender of York in 1644 and ensured no harm was done to the Minster or parish churches. He is buried at Bilbrough Church.

The Battle of Marston Moor, in July, 1644, was a decisive victory for the Parliamentary forces.

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