Muskets, pistols and clothes worn by soldiers during the original Battle of Maidstone were unveiled as part of the official launch of events to mark an historical landmark.

Organisers of the Battle of Maidstone 1648 events, commemorating the 360th anniversary of a battle which proved pivotal in England’s history, staged the launch at Maidstone Museum in St Faith’s Street today, surrounded by artefacts and memorabilia, gathered from all over the country.

Events will take place throughout the town from now until the climax on June 1, a re-enactment of the battle in Gabriel's Hill. aDavid Pickett, a borough councillor who dreamed up the idea, and will be taking part in the re-enactment, told sponsors, councillors and some of those involved in putting together the events: “We are very fortunate in Maidstone to have two great things that we can use - to be honest, the Battle of Maidstone a lot of people know nothing about and we are hoping to change that with everything we are doing, and we are also fortunate to have one of the best museums in the country.

“I am hoping that over the next two months the museum - with its 150th anniversary this year as well - is going to be put on the map. It will be a really exciting time.”

The exhibition at the museum, which runs until Sunday, July 6, explains the battle, its place in history, and details such as how soldiers and ordinary people lived then, and has taken a team of 30 around a year to put together.

It also includes a Young Friends children’s trail around the exhibition for youngsters to follow.

Among the festivities will also be a Proms in the Park evening, and a range of talks, tickets for which are already selling well.

Mr Pickett also said there were plans afoot to produce a tapestry of the battle, similar to a smaller version of the Bayeux Tapestry, which would be hung in the town hall.

And there are plans for a piece of music to be composed specially for the event by Maidstone Winds.

The Kent Messenger will be also be inviting local schoolchildren to decorate the windows of our offices in Middle Row, Maidstone, with posters on the theme of the battle. For details of the competition, see the Kent Messenger in the coming weeks.

The Battle of Maidstone exhibition is open Monday to Saturdays from 10am to 5.15pm and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free.

For information contact Maidstone Museum on 01622 602838 or visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk.

BLOB The Battle of Maidstone events are sponsored by the Kent Messenger, Palace Estates, Gullands, Mall Chequers, Maidstone Studios, The Stone Shop, Town Centre Management, Maidstone Borough Council, Royal Star Arcade, dha planning, Gallagher Group and G Forces.