ONE of Worcester’s most historic landmarks will be transporting residents to the final battle of the English Civil War this Bank Holiday Weekend.
Running in association with the Worcester Militia and Worcester Re-enactors, ‘The Storming of Fort Royal’ will see The Commandery gardens transformed for the battle preparations of the 1651 Battle of Worcester, during which thousands of soldiers descended on the city, bringing an end to the English Civil War.
The Commandery will be filled with hungry soldiers, secretive spies and angry housewives as it takes visitors back to the 17th century with living history, children’s activities and an immersive new experience.
Visitors can watch soldiers cooking and preparing for battle after a 350-mile journey, meet the civilian women whose city has been invaded and witness the tragic tale of ‘shooting the messenger’.
Families can enjoy dressing up in 17th century costumes, handle historic weaponry and join in with the crafts and cannon drill, with mini scenes, musket firing and pike drills also keeping audiences entertained all weekend.
There will also be tours of Worcester’s ‘Civil War Story’, a new experience showing visitors the significance that Worcester played in the English Civil War through atmospheric film, significant artefacts, sounds of arguing Royalists and Parliamentarians and interactive models.
Sarah Bourne, The Commandery event officer, said: “We want to give visitors a sense of what it felt like to be a frightened citizen in Worcester in 1651 with invading armies approaching.
“There is a whole programme of events every day over the Bank Holiday Weekend, with activities for the whole family to enjoy.”
The event runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Monday and 1.30pm to 5pm on Sunday.
An annual ticket to The Commandery including entry to special events is £5 for Worcester City residents if they produce a Worcester City Council tax bill.
Otherwise, entry is £5.95 for adults and free for children aged 16 and under, with an annual ticket costing £10.95.
Visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk for more information.
