City’s Civil War past to be brought to life

1:40pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

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VISITORS to the Commandery will find themselves caught up in war-torn Worcester later this month.

To celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Worcester, the bloodthirsty Civil War clash that raged through the city streets in September 1651, the Sidbury museum will host dozens of events, from living history displays to a commemorative service in Fort Royal Park.

“The Commandery is stepping right back into the thick of its Civil War past,” said museum manager Amanda Lunt. “Beginning on Friday, August 22 – the date that King Charles II and his army arrived in Worcester – and ending on Wednesday, September 3 – the date that they were defeated by Cromwell’s New Model Army – our events coincide exactly with the events of 357 years ago.”

The Battle of Worcester Society, a group that hopes to create a commemorative heritage trail around the city, will be exhibiting and giving talks.

There will be guided walks to nearby Fort Royal Park where fierce fighting took place and 17th-century re-enactors will be on hand to talk about weapons, armour, clothing and diet.

Young visitors will find out about gruesome Civil War surgeons, pretend to be drafted into the army and learn how to use pikes – the most used 17th-century weapon. On Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, an authentic Civil War encampment will take over the Commandery gardens. The whole event will end on Wednesday, September 3, with a procession of costumed re-enactors walking, like ghosts, from the Commandery to Fort Royal Park where a commemorative service to mark the anniversary will be held.

For information or to book call the museum on 01905 361826.

Battle of Worcester events diary: The Battle of Powick Bridge Ambush a Forethought – a lecture by Dilip Sarkar, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society. Thursday, August 28, 7.30pm. Tickets £4.

The Battle of Worcester Walking Tour A guided tour of key battle sites within the city. Lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes, departing from the Commandery courtyard. Friday, August 29, until Sunday, August 31, 11am and 3pm. Tickets £4.

The Battle of Worcester: The People’s Perspective A lecture by Amanda Lunt of Worcester City Museum Service about the effect that the battle had on civilians. Tuesday, September 2, 7.30pm. Tickets £4.

The Battle of Worcester A lecture by Bernard Mills of the Battle of Worcester Society about the battle itself. Wednesday, September 3, 2pm. Tickets £4.