News release
For Immediate Release
Monday 9 February 2026
An exciting annual event, Living History at The Commandery, returns on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February 2026. Part of Love Worcester festival 2026 and rounding off the February half-term holiday, it’s a brilliant family day out.
Visitors can encounter characters from centuries past as Worcester Reenactors kick off a year of varied events commemorating 375 years since the Battle of Worcester in the English Civil War.
Explore the building and gardens, discover living history encampments, and see military displays at this action-packed two-day event.
From bows and arrows to gunfire, visitors can see historic firing demonstrations by Worcester Reenactors take place in the walled garden. Medieval music and Tudor-style dancing performances will take place in the medieval Great Hall, and families can meet metalworkers and willow weavers as they demonstrate their crafts.
Visitors can refuel at Little Al’s Kitchen at The Commandery, the canal-side café, during their adventurous day out.
Organised in partnership with the Worcester Re-enactors, the event is a fantastic opportunity for all the family to explore a different period of history – and make a new memory – around every corner.
The Commandery is one of Worcester’s oldest and most remarkable buildings, well-known for being the Royalist Headquarters during the Battle of Worcester in 1651, making it the perfect place to be immersed in history brought to life.
Helen Manning, Events and Activities Coordinator at The Commandery, says: “Living History is always an exciting way to begin the new year at The Commandery! 2026 marks 375 years since the Battle of Worcester, so it’s a really significant year for the city.”
There is no booking required for Living History at The Commandery and general entry admission applies. There is free admission to those with a season or Worcester Residents’ pass to The Commandery. For further information, please visit museumsworcestershire.org.uk.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Images attached show:
- Worcester Reenactors in the gardens at The Commandery
375 years since the Battle of Worcester events at The Commandery
- Living History weekend – 21 and 22 February
- Oak Apple Day – Bank Holiday Monday 25 May
- The Last Battle: 375 years since the Battle of Worcester – Saturday 5 September
More talks and workshops to be announced.
Opening hours
The Commandery is usually open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm, and Sundays, 10am – 3pm.
Living History weekend opening hours are: Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm.
Last entry one hour before closing.
The Commandery’s History
The Commandery was founded as a monastic hospital around 1085 by Saint Wulfstan, then Bishop of Worcester, to serve the needs of travellers outside the city walls and beautiful wall paintings from the 1500s can be seen on the walls of The Commandery today.
Most of the building dates form the late fifteenth century and is of timber framed construction. The Commandery was one of the last monastic institutions to be dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540. In 1651 Charles II marched into Worcester and set up his Headquarters in the city, with the commander-in-chief the Duke of Hamilton billeted at The Commandery.
The building has also been a family home, a school for the blind, and a printing works.
For more information or further images please contact Alice Benbow, Museums Marketing Officer: alice.benbow@worcester.gov.uk / 01905 361828.