THERE'S a case to be made that the first meaningful battle of English Civil War was at Powick Bridge, and the last one was at Worcester.

Now local people can learn more about the clash between Cavaliers and Roundheads, and about Civil War weaponry and dress in particular, at the City Art Gallery and Museum on Tuesday July 12, for a lunch time talk, starting at 1pm.

A spokesman for the Worcester museum said: "

During the English Civil War period, all soldiers, cavalry and infantry carried swords, although most soldiers of the Civil War were not trained in swordplay to any degree.

"Many of the swords were made in Germany, and this one features a stamp which indicates that it was possibly made in Hamburg or Hanover. Swords such as one we have on display may have been used by either side during the period, as basket-hilted swords had already been around since the sixteenth century. The protective 'basket' was initially a simple design, but as time passed they became increasingly ornate and decorative."

The sword has a strong local connection.

The spokesman said: "This sword from the Museums Worcestershire collection was thought to have been used at the Battle of Powick Bridge on September 23, 1642. Although some skirmishing had occurred throughout the country before this point, this battle was the first major cavalry engagement of the English Civil War. Powick Bridge was a victory for the Royalists in 1642.

"There was another clash at the same location nine years later before the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651, after which the Royalists had to abandon their position and retreat, leaving the Parliamentarians to advance towards Worcester."

For more information please see www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk, and for tickets call 01905 25371.