A SERIES of events will mark the 370th anniversary of the Battle of Cheriton in 1644.

The battle near Alresford marked a decisive turning in the English Civil War.

The Battle of Cheriton Project has arranged several events this spring and summer in partnership with the Hampshire Royal British Legion to raise the profile of the fight in which an estimated 2,000 men died.

On the 370th anniversary of the battle, March 29-30, re-enactors in period costume will march the 26 miles from Basing House near Basingstoke to the battle memorial near Bishop’s Sutton, stopping overnight in Wield.

On the Sunday, there will be a wreath-laying at the memorial, a service and the re-enactors will present a brief skirmish.

A schools week will be held from June 16-20 with more than 300 schools invited to experience 17th century life and fighting.

At a similar event in 2004 over 600 local schoolchildren attended. There will be pike and sword drills, armourers, apothecaries and priests as well as a mini-skirmish.

Then on June 29-30, History through the Ages will take place close to the battlefield.

The event will comprise entertainment and activities throughout the two days with arena displays by the Sealed Knot and other re-enactment groups, demonstrations, static displays and related attractions of all kinds.