VISITORS from across the county have been invited to see 2,000 years of history come to life at The Commandery in Worcester with a weekend full of ancient Greeks, Viking warriors, Second World War memories and much more.
This exciting annual event, organised by The Worcester Re-enactors in partnership with The Commandery, attracts thousands of visitors who can immerse themselves in a journey through history, from Vikings to Victorians.
More than 200 re-enactors bring history to life through Living History encampments, military drill displays, traditional craft demonstrations and vintage vehicles, visitors to the beautiful Commandery can enjoy a huge variety of displays in one of Worcester’s oldest and most beautiful buildings.
Visitors can uncover The Commandery’s centuries-old history as they discover its former inhabitants, from meeting medieval monks and getting recruited by Royalists to practising their Georgian dancing in the Great Hall.
Indoor and outdoor entertainment throughout the weekend will include firing displays with arms through the ages, medieval and 17th century encampments, chilling historical treatments with the scary surgeon and an 18th century Punchinello puppet show.
During half term, families can enjoy becoming indoor archaeologists in ‘Amazing Ancestors’ workshops, and find clues about The Commandery’s fascinating thousand year history, before having a go at making their own medieval floor tile. These sessions take place from Tuesday, February 20 to Friday, February 23.
Charlie Fothergill, marketing officer for The Commandery, said: “Last year’s Living History weekend was The Commandery’s biggest and best ever, and we are very excited about the displays that will be brought to life by the marvellous Worcester Re-enactors once again.”
Brian Bullock from Worcester Re-enactors said: “The Living History event offers the chance to celebrate history in the heart of Worcester and the historic Commandery is the perfect setting. The re-enactors all come along on a voluntary basis, are extremely enthusiastic about the period they portray and have a wealth of knowledge for visitors to tap into. Come along and join in!”
Living History in Worcester is part of the Love Worcester Heritage Festival; a week of events from February 14 to February 25 celebrating Worcester’s spectacular heritage in venues across the city. There will also be Living History displays to see in Friar Street, Tudor House and Greyfriars.
The Commandery has an extraordinary history; most famously it was the Royalist Headquarters during the Battle of Worcester, the final and deciding battle of the English Civil War.
Visitors can now discover Worcester’s Civil War Story through a new interactive experience that take them back into a murky, conflicted 17th century Worcester where they can experience life as a soldier 300 miles from home, test your skills at battle strategy and come face-to-face with Oliver Cromwell.
Visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk or see The Commandery’s Facebook page for further information about the Living History at The Commandery event.
