COMMEMORATIONS for the Battle of Stratton could well go ahead this May, with a town council committee keen to support them.

Alan Biggs, chairman of Bude-Stratton’s Town Council heritage and culture committee, told the Post: “We are going to fund it — not all of it, as the Sealed Knot are going to put some money in. We agreed we would make a contribution towards it.”

The committee recommended the full council to support the event.

He added: “It has got to be agreed at full council. We have a figure in mind. We have got to look and see if we allowed anything for it in the council budget this year. If we did, that’s fine, if not, we have to request that full council release some money out of reserves.”

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 troops on the summit of what is a substantial hill to the north of the 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 hard fought over most of the day, yet 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.

The commemorations did not take place last year — the town council decided the cost per head for holding the event was too high and the funds would be better used for events throughout the summer at the Castle grounds rather than over one weekend.?The hope was that it would raise the profile of the area and the Castle in particular.

Cllr Biggs said a letter would be going to the organisers to arrange a meeting to discuss further details, such as the venue.

Owen May, president of Bude and Stratton Old Cornwall Society, attended the committee meeting and asked councillors to ‘look favourably on the subject and the provision of some financial support’ as it was ‘not just a Sealed Knot re-enactment’.

He added: “Widespread publicity brings many people to the area and that brings recognition and revenue into local channels.”

Mr May told the Post: “I think the year before last wasn’t a success but the weather was atrocious.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the attitude of the councillors there. They seemed to be of the opinion that yes this ought to be held.

“I went in pessimistic and went away pleasantly surprised.”

Since the meeting, the town council told the Post that: The committee supports holding an event to commemorate the Battle of Stamford Hill for a cost up to £2,000; providing a letter of confirmation from the Sealed Knot is received, confirming that they will provide free first aid cover and that their estimate of £600 includes black powder and public liability insurance and any other expenses.”

Providing this is confirmed the event will be held on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, 2016, with more details to come once the town council and the Sealed Knot have met.