ONE of the most turbulent days in the history of one of the city's historic buildings will be brought to life on Bank Holiday Monday (August 25).

Visitors to The Commandery, Sidbury, will be transported to 1651 as soldiers were set to march upon Worcester.

The Commandery changed from a family home to becoming the headquarters of the Royalist Army during the Battle of Worcester and the event aims to recreate the upheavals and relive the preparations for battle, with visitors invited to take part in the activities.

Visitors can explore the soldiers' camp in the courtyard, meet the Wylde's servant left behind as the family flees and learn about the hardships of the common soldier, from surgery and medicine to the arms and weapons of the infantry, cavalry and artillery.

There will also be the chance to take part in the training drills of the musket, pike and cannon and have a go at traditional 17th Century crafts from hand cutting quills to making candles and pouches and watch 17th Century food and drink demonstrations.

David Nash, Commandery manager, said: "This is going to be a fabulous event with a day full of activities to entertain the whole family.

"We hope it will appeal to Worcester residents and visitors to our historic city, and that all our visitors will leave feeling they have experienced a small part of what it was like to be in Worcester in 1651."

There will be a whole day of activity in Sidbury on Bank Holiday Monday.

After The Civil War Headquarters event, there will be a barbecue on Fort Royal Hill provided by the Friends of Fort Royal Hill and Commandery Gardens, and the fireworks finale of the Worcester Festival in the evening.

Entry to The Commandery and the special event is free to all Commandery card holders and Worcester City residents on production of a Worcester City Council Tax bill.

For non-residents, entry is £5.50 for adults and £2.50 for children, or a family ticket for £13.

The Bank Holiday Monday event is followed by traditional Battle of Worcester commemorative events, including a series of talks, tours and demonstrations at The Commandery on Saturday and Sunday (August 30 and 31) and the annual Drumhead Ceremony in association with the Battle of Worcester Society on Wednesday, September 3 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm including the anniversary march from The Commandery to Fort Royal Hill.

For further information, visit museumsworcestershire.org.uk or contact The Commandery on 01905 361821.