Album Notes

"This is a spectacular subject for a musical album, and one rarely treated in that
form. The Dolmen make the result work really well, alternating bulletins of real history
with the kind of electric folk, from high-energy dance to lament, which the band has
always played to perfection. I felt both entertained and moved: it seemed at times as
though a real voice was being given to the dead."
"Prof Ronald Hutton"
Ronald Hutton
Professor of History,Head of Subjects University of Bristol.
(Leading authority on the history of the British Isles in the 16th & 17th century)

"AN ATMOSPHERIC AND AUTHENTIC MUSICAL RECREATION OF A TURBULENT SIEGE OF THE WESTCOUNTRY".
Steve Knightley. Show of Hands.

What is the CRABCHURCH CONSPIRACY?

In 1645, several royalist plotters within the twin towns of Weymouth and Melcombe on the Dorset coast conspired to deliver the ports back into the control of King Charles 1. It has been suggested that he needed a safe south coast port at which to land a huge French army which he hoped would deliver a decisive blow and end the resistance of the Parliamentarians whom he had been fighting for almost three years.

The conspirator’s plans were almost successful, but their intended victim, Colonel William Sydenham, Commander of the Parliamentary garrison and MP for Melcombe, managed to get most of his force into that town, though he lost a much loved and respected brother and fellow soldier, Francis, in the initial assault. Soon, a two week long internecine bombardment was taking place between the factions.

In the third week, what appeared to be the coup de gras arrived in the shape of the archetypal cavalier general, George, Lord Goring and his 6,500 strong army, which meant that Sydenham’s tiny but stubborn garrison of just 1300 souls, were now outnumbered six to one. It would surely only be a matter of time before Melcombe too fell to the King’s Army.

Underestimating Colonel William Sydenham, the eldest son of a local Dorset landowner, was Goring’s first and biggest mistake, for not only did Sydenham succeed in retaking Weymouth, but he also withstood the full might of Goring’s military response, delivering a “miraculous victory” and ending the King’s aspirations of getting the upper hand in Dorset.

Mark Vine.

"As Comanding Officer of Sydenhams ECWS company the album is also very close to my heart.
Its sheer roller coaster of emotion and power. This is something very special and more than an album. Keith's voice is superb for the telling of such an important story of courage and sacrifice of the Sydenham family and people who lost all in the 17th century.
Best listened too after hanging a do not disturb sign on your door, turn off your phone, put on your head phones and lose yourself in the 17th century. To all who have worked on this album THANK YOU "
"Steve Piper. English Civil War Society "