The English Civil War

Worcester is "the ground where Liberty was fought" according to 2^nd president of the USA John Adams, on a visit to Fort Royal Park with Thomas Jefferson in 1876. They were talking about the English Civil War which both started with the first skirmish of the conflict at Powick Bridge on the edge of modern-day Worcester and ended nine years later with the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Many sites in Worcester bear witness to the struggle between Royalist (King Charles I) and Parliamentarian (Oliver Cromwell) troops: St. Martin's Gate, Fort Royal, the Cathedral, The Commandery, The Greyfriars and the King Charles House.

The Commandery offers an audio guide with one of the available tours focussing on the Civil War history. Walking tours which visit the sites are also available.