A SERIES of events are being planned to mark the 880th anniversary of the North Yorkshire battle in which English forces repelled the Scottish army led by King David1 of Scotland.

The Battle of the Standard took place on August 22, 1138, on Cowton Moor to the north of Northallerton and the Northallerton and Villages Community Forum are aiming for the events to be as historically accurate as possible.

The first event - with the help of a £3,500 grant from Hambleton District Council’s “Making a Difference Fund” – is a medieval encampment on August 18 and 19 on the site of the former Allertonshire School in Northallerton.

“People will be able to experience the sights, sounds and smells of Northallerton as it might have been in 1138,” said Cllr Caroline Dickinson.

“The family-friendly event is free and we hope it will help to bring the community together and instil a sense of pride and knowledge of their local history whilst also creating a legacy of continued interest and education.”

Other events being planned include a medieval banquet to be held at All Saints Parish Church in Northallerton, a lecture at the Forum from Professor Matthew Strickland, Professor of Medieval History at Glasgow University, and an open air service of commemoration to be held at St Thomas’ Church in Brompton.

Cash for the Making a Difference scheme comes from ongoing cost savings that local councillors are reinvesting into the community.

Each scheme must meet one of the council’s key priorities – supporting economic growth, improving health and wellbeing, improving access to services and supporting a changing population. Each scheme must also show that there is community involvement.

Funding has also come from Northallerton and Brompton town councils and NYCC Localities Budget and Inspire Fund.