Civil War

The first major engagement of the English Civil War (1642-1649) took place two miles from Warmington at Edgehill. The following account is taken from the Warmington parish register at the time.

“The Battell was fought by our Sovraigne Lord King Charles and Th’earle of Essex the Three & Twentieth Day of October being Sabbath Day Ano Dom 1642 partly between Radwaie & Kington. Richard Sannes Captaine of a Foote companie a gentleman of Worcester Shire was buried in Warmington Churchyard the Four and Twentieth daie of October Ano Dom 1642 Alexander Gourden a Scotsman was buried the Five and Twentieth Daie of October Ano Dom 1642 ut supra Also Seven other were buried in Warmington Churchyard shortly after whose names I know not and it is reported that one or two more were buried within the fielde and precincts of Warmington aforesaid.”

This account of the battle and casualties was probably written by the curate, John Batty. The rector, Richard Wootton, was absent from the parish, commanding a Parliamentarian troop.

Captain Gourdin’s headstone is a rare survival. It is not known to which regiment he was attached, nor how it came about that he had this well-carved memorial.