A battle which changed the course of British history exactly 360 years ago has been relived in Maidstone.

Crowds lined the streets to watch a re-enactment of the Battle of Maidstone, which took place on June 1, 1648.

The battle was the culmination of a challenge by Royalist soldiers unhappy with the heavy-handed taxation that was a feature of the Parliamentarians’ rule.

It led to the deaths of several hundred soldiers, the capture of 1,400 Royalists and the eventual execution of Charles I.

On Sunday the bloody fighting and booming sounds of muskets being fired was brought to Gabriel’s Hill, Maidstone, by re-enactment group the Sealed Knot.

The surrender by Royalist soldiers, who began retreating up Week Street, was taken outside what is now a Marks and Spencer store.

A series of events in addition to the re-enactment was arranged in Maidstone to encourage people to find out more about the battle and its place in history.

Arthur Jackson, of the Sealed Knot re-enactors, said: "The battle was basically about people unhappy with taxation, and the way they were being ruled, rising up to challenge the rule.

"Although the Royalists lost their challenge, the battle did lead to reforms and a more moderate way of rule."

Maidstone’s town centre manager, Bill Moss, said: "The event has given an important boost to residents who live here and we also hope that the town’s pubs, bars and restaurants will do well from the influx of visitors."

See Friday's Kent Messenger for the full story and more pictures.