The English Civil Wars began in 1642 and lasted until 1651. These were battles between King Charles I, who wanted to make his own rules and collect taxes without asking Parliament, and Parliament, who wanted to have more say in how the country was run.
There was an important battle in Kirklees at Adwalton Moor, close to Birstall.
Many of the main landowning families in Kirklees, like the Batts at Oakwell Hall, supported the King. They were called Royalists. Some of the merchants and workers in towns, such as skilled craftsmen, supported Parliament. They were called Parliamentarians.
The war affected people in the area. Families had to make choices about who to support, and some people fought in battles far away.
