Worcester Re-enactors

Now in its fourth year, Living History in Worcester is better than ever. Groups who have attended previous years are jumping at the opportunity to return to what is a unique event in the re-enactment calendar. The format of a group occupying a small part of the main hall of the Guildhall to set up a small Living History display, with two 15 minute performance slots during the day is quite challenging, but if handled properly can be highly effective. It is an ideal opportunity to talk to the type of people who would not otherwise visit Living History camps and to educate a very receptive audience who get to enjoy the spectacle of Living History for free, on their doorstep. It is also has great potential for recruitment.
Among this year’s themed encampments was: A quartermaster’s store from the British Napoleonic contingent, a Retreat from Moscow scenario from the French, a 17th Century banquet from the Sealed Knot, complete with hog’s head, the 1940s cafe making a welcome return from our WWII friends and some gaming tables from the Wild West. Others, like the Tudor, American Civil War and Zulu Wars groups showed food and equipment from their periods with great knowledge and enthusiasm, which rubbed off on an appreciative public.
A new secondary venue was also made available to us this year in the form of the Tudor House Museum on New Street, where some of our period interpreters educated and entertained boosting visitor numbers to that location.
This year saw a return visit by the Napoleonic Association to the tomb of Colonel Ellis of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, a Worcester man who fell at Waterloo and is buried in the Cathedral. Laying a wreath at his tomb was very moving for all those involved, especially the members of the RWF re-enactment group.
The one thing that seemed to stand out for the public was that all of this was free, in fact paid for by the very people who were also offering their own time for free. When they ask us why we do this all we can say is: “We do this because we love it! And anyway... its February – what else would we be doing?”
As important as the show itself is the party in the evening. Our friends had made a great effort to join us in Worcester for the day, some of them travelling hundreds of miles, so having a drinks and a bit of music at our regular haunt, The Saracen’s Head, has now become part of the tradition, as has putting up those who wish to stay over on a budget in the Sea Scouts hut.
You or your group are welcome to join us next year, when we have plans to expand further into Worcester with a series of talks in the Cathedral Chapterhouse. Just get in touch with us through this website.