THERE will be no 'Battle of Stratton' next month as the town council hopes to use the funds for events throughout the summer rather than over one weekend, writes Ryan Cox.

The decision was made at Bude and Stratton Town Council's Heritage and Culture committee meeting by marketing and events officer Andrew Morgan, who reported that the expenditure on the commemoration weekend in 2014 had been just under £4,000.

The Battle of Stratton took place on the morning of May 16, 1643, less than half a mile north of the town. Reaching the town first on May 15, the Earl of Stamford had deployed his Parliamentarian troops on the summit of what is a substantial hill to the north of Stratton, which still bears his name.

Although outnumbered almost two to one, Sir Ralph Hopton chose to attack this formidable position, taking advantage of the absence of the parliamentarian horse.

The victory of Hopton's Royalists over a force almost twice the size that was better equipped, fed and prepared, was a major achievement — it was the tactical superiority of the Royalist force that carried the day against what appeared to be overwhelming odds.

The parliamentarians left behind 2,000 men —300 dead and 1,700 prisoners — as well as 13 artillery pieces, a mortar and substantial provisions. But of more significance Hopton had secured Cornwall, with its tin mines and ports, for the Royalist cause.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.