VISITORS to The Commandery can step back 800 years to experience medieval celebrations and discover what life was like during the Middle Ages in one of Worcester’s oldest buildings.
The historic venue will open its doors on the August Bank Holiday weekend for a packed programme of joyful medieval celebrations.
Two days of activities on Sunday, August 26 and Bank Holiday Monday, August 27 will allow visitors to join in with terrific tournament games, explore a living history camp with Amicorum re-enactors, try their hand at traditional crafts and music and dance.
There will also be opportunities to meet medieval characters including archers, knights and traders as well as trying out some archery, completing the ‘squire’s quest’ trail and watching black powder demonstrations.
The Commandery’s fascinating history dates back to its time as a monastic hospital from 1085, when tradition has it that the building was founded as a hospital by Saint Wulfstan, the then Bishop of Worcester.
Volunteers will be on hand to take visitors back to a time when the beautiful historic building once housed medieval monks and miracles, with opportunities to discover its fascinating history through talks on the monastic hospital and a mummer’s play.
There will also be magnificent artefacts to see, including the Medieval Painted Chamber, a room covered in monastic wall paintings of saints and martyrs, and some amazing archaeology on display.
David Nash, Commandery manager, said: “We are lucky to have nearly a thousand years of stories to tell at The Commandery, and our bank holiday weekend will be an exciting step back in time to the earliest period of this building’s amazing history.
“We have a brilliant variety of activities happening over the bank holiday, from tournament games to talks, so the celebrations will capture the imaginations of children and adults alike.”
Throughout the summer holidays, families can enjoy a series of workshops inspired by the Marvellous Middle Ages, where young visitors can become a monk, practise their illuminated lettering, go to Squire School or even see if they can prevent the plague.
These run Tuesdays to Fridays with a different theme each week and cost £3.
Visitors can call 01905 361821 or visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk for more information.
Worcester residents can purchase an annual ticket which includes entry to all major Commandery events for just £5 if they produce a Worcester City Council tax bill and entry is free for children under 16.
