THE Duke of Northumberland joined the Bramham Gala celebrations last Saturday to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Bramham Moor.

The duke made a special journey from Alnwick to unveil a new commemorative stone and information board on the new access road leading into the village ahead of the annual gala on the playing fields.

The new board gives details of the historic 1408 battle that killed the first Earl of Northumberland - the father of Harry Hotspur.

It sits alongside the historic Percy memorial which has been recently reloacted from its home in a small copse on the road to Tadcaster.

Funding for the board has been provided by an Awards for All grant from the National Lottery organised by Bramham residents Colin and Moira Pool.

Bramham Parish Council said it would provide villagers and passers-by with an accessible and invaluable research tool on the historic battle’s various events.

Chairman of Bramham Parish Council, David Evans, thanked everyone involved in putting it together particularly Ruth and Ian Watson for their meticulous research work.

He also thanked Chris Hunwick, an archivist at Alnwick castle, who researched the Percy family and the and Adrian Bury who was responsible for the board’s graphics.

After the unveiling, the duke moved onto the playing fields to officially open the Bramham Gala celebrations.

Bramham Primary School youngsters performed a musical dance spectacular for the crowds while a small colourful parade took place.

Other gala highlights this year included a falconry display and a performance by the Lynbar Majorettes from Garforth who recently featured on ITV 1’s Britain’s Got Talent.

The Ebor Morris Dancers from York showed off their intricate foot skills while knights from the Royal Armouries in Leeds demonstrated sword fighting as part of the gala’s medieval theme.

Local youngsters made the most of this year’s fairground rides which included a popular ghost train and some dodgems.

And the Frei Compagnie group from the Towton Re-enactment Society proved popular with visitors eager to try on silver armour and hold up a sword.

Bramham Gala committee chairman, Keith Innocent, who dressed up in medieval costume, said the village had felt very honoured to welcome the duke along this year.

He said: “It was a very successful day and we counted 700 visitors from Bramham and surrounding areas at one point.

“Lots of local charities were there, Bramham in Bloom, the brownies and the guides. There was a BBQ and a really good band - The Senators from Tadcaster - in the evening.

“It was a great afternoon and we’ve already decided when next year’s gala will be - June 27 ,” he said.

l To order any pictures from the event log onto www.wetherbynews.co.uk and click on Photos Today.

susannah.berry@ypn.co.uk