Episode V: Tensions Begin to Rise

Description:The gypsies defy them insolently as more of their caravans arrive and begin to pitch their camp. Bolstered by the influx of villagers and townspeople the sheer weight of numbers forces the Roundheads to retire to the obvious disapproval to a group of onlooking Puritans. One overconfident gypsy goes too far with his taunting of the soldiers who seize him and put him the stocks. The group of townspeople and gypsies begin to get restless and boo the Roundheads but are forced back as reinforcements arrive.

A soldier beats a child who has cheeked him which acts to further exacerbate the atmosphere of tension and resentment.

Everyone hears cheering in the distance though no one knows what has caused it. Suddenly a group of Cavaliers arrive brandishing an oak branch followed by a crowd deliriously shouting “Long Live the King”.

This ignites the hostile crowd who begin to pelt the Roundheads with stones until they reach their imprisoned comrade. Upon freeing him they capture a number of soldiers and lock them in the stocks in his place.