A NEW Civil War trail has been officially launched by former Keighley Festival chairman Malcolm Hanson.

People from as far away as Milton Keynes took part in a free guided walk to kickstart the initiative.

The trail marks key locations across Bradford from the war.

From October 1642 to March 1644, Bradford – then little more than a large village – saw several bloody encounters between the Royalist forces of King Charles I and the Parliamentarians.

Hundreds were killed and wounded, but a rabble army of Bradfordians took on, and beat, the King's soldiers.

Before the guided walk, guests were treated to a civic reception at City Hall, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Abid Hussain.

The group, led by Mr Hanson, then followed the trail route between the City Hall building and Bradford Cathedral.

"The attendees seemed very keen to learn about the Civil War period – particularly as so little has been available for locals and visitors to study," said Mr Hanson, who created the trail.

"The walk allows people to stand on the very spot where incidents took place, especially at the cathedral, where the Battle of the Steeple was fought."

Participants were shown around the cathedral by the Rev Paul Maybury, who highlighted a commemorative plaque, before they moved on – by vintage London Routemaster bus – to Bolling Hall, where the trail ends.

"Here the trail winds up with a lusty telling of the final battle – the Battle for Bradford, which took place at Adwalton Moor – and the ensuing march on Bradford by the Earl of Newcastle's army," said Mr Hanson.

"For me, the best thing about this venture is being able to tell the story of the siege from our ancestors' point of view.

"I'm sure it was their amazing courage in the face of overwhelming adversity that impressed the earl – whose orders were to destroy the town and everyone in it – enough to allow them to live."

Trail leaflets can be obtained from the Visitor Information Centre in Broadway, Bradford.

Guided tours, for groups and schools, are available. They are free, but donations are welcome.

To book, go to visitbradford.com/visitor-information or contact Mr Hanson on 01756 798730.

Mr Hanson, who lives in Skipton, has created more than 100 heritage trails for schools in Keighley and across the Bradford district.

He said he had long been trying to get a Civil War Siege walk up and running.