Though this event is marked each year with a march through the city, it struck a particular chord this time, and an article in your Express exploring the significance of the fight has since been read tens of thousands of times online. This week, we’re taking a look back at the castle’s more recent history, which has featured archaeological digs, reenactments and reconstructions but, thankfully, fewer battles.
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Members of the Towton Battlefield Society and Frei Compagnie held a reenactment of the Battle of Wakefield in 2007. Neil Wilson from The House of York (left) battles Mick Weaver (Henry Percy, the Duke of Northumberland from the House of Lancaster).
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In recent years, the anniversary of the Battle of Wakefield has been marked with a parade from Wakefield Cathedral to Sandal Castle, led by the Bishop of Wakefield, and a reenactment of the battle staged at the castle ruins.
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In December 2005, volunteers from the Towton Battlefield Society the Company of Palm Sunday 1461 lay wreaths in memory of the Battle of Wakefield at Sandal Castle. Drummer Mick Doggett leads the way.
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The view of Wakefield city centre from the top of Sandal Castle in 2004.