News release | For Immediate Release
Monday 24 August
The Last Battle on Saturday 5 September at The Commandery, Worcester
What happened at the Battle of Worcester in 1651? Find out the facts about one of the most important dates in Worcester’s history on Saturday 5 September at The Commandery, 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm).
The Last Battle is a day of military demonstrations, talks, and fun family activities – to commemorate the 375th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester. The Commandery played a key role as the Royalist Headquarters during the battle which took place on 3 September 1651. The Parliamentarian army clashed with the Royalist army, causing King Charles II to flee the city under the alias “William Jackson” as Cromwell triumphed.
Visitors can walk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers, watch demonstrations and exploring living history encampments in The Commandery’s gardens. Worcester Reenactors will be looking for brave volunteers to learn how to handle a pike for battle and experience advancing on the enemy. There will be cannon drills to try too – who will be Officer Wet Mop and who will be Officer Powder Monkey?
Medical historian Kevin Goodman will give talks about the brutal world of 17th-century battlefield surgery – from treating bullet wounds, to a fractured skull. Visitors will have the opportunity to examine the medical tools on display and ask questions.
Talks and tours will take place through the day with the opportunity to walk up Fort Royal Hill to hear about how the battle unfolded, the cannons turned on the city and the streets ran with blood.
Families can enjoy getting dressed up as Civil War soldiers as they explore The Commandery with a fun fact family trail. Children can get creative with making their own standard – a flag – to take home.
Helen Manning, Events and Activities Coordinator at The Commandery, says: “375 years since the Battle of Worcester is such a significant date in the history of The Commandery and the city, so it’s important to be able to commemorate it with this event. It’s a great opportunity for people in Worcester to find out what happened right here.”
Pop into Little Al’s Kitchen at The Commandery café for tasty treats, or bring along a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful walled gardens.
General admission to The Commandery applies; there is no advance booking required. There is free admission to those with a season or Worcester Residents’ pass to The Commandery – as well as to any William Jacksons (bring your ID!)
For further information, please visit museumsworcestershire.org.uk.
ENDS
Notes to editors
There will be a photo opportunity with the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Tor Pingree, at 11am on 5 September at The Commandery.
Event information: museumsworcestershire.org.uk/events/the-last-battle-375th-anniversary
Images attached show:
- Worcester Reenactors demonstrating a pike drill in The Commandery’s gardens
- Children in costume getting hands on with history at The Commandery
English Civil War 375
In 1651, the Battle of Worcester brought the English Civil Wars to a dramatic close. This final clash which ravaged the heart of the city, left England without a monarch and changed the course of the country’s history. Now, 375 years on, Museums Worcestershire has joined with Visit Worcestershire to create and promote a programme of exciting events connected to this defining moment to entertain residents and to attract visitors into the city and county. A full list of events taking place across Worcestershire can be found at visitworcestershire.org/blog/civil-war-375-whats-on
The Commandery’s History
The Commandery was founded as a monastic hospital around 1085 by Saint Wulfstan. 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.
The Commandery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm, and Sundays from 10am – 3pm.
For more information or further images please contact Alice Benbow, Museums Marketing Officer: alice.benbow@worcester.gov.uk / 01905 361828.