An immersive event re-enacting the English civil war is coming to the Chiltern Open Air Museum’s for the English Civil War Weekend on June 13 and 14.
Recreation of the sights, sounds, and stories of a nation at war will be on show, as Parliamentarian and Royalist forces clash in a dramatic living history experience suitable for all ages.
Across the weekend, visitors will encounter authentic soldiers, skilled craftspeople, thunderous firepower, and hands-on activities that reveal what life was like during the English Civil War.
Meet a full regiment of infantry with 60–80 foot soldiers, including musketeers, pikemen, and gunners, drilled and equipped as they would have been in the 17th century.
Soldiers will demonstrate period drill, fighting techniques, and coordinated firepower, bringing military life of the Civil War into sharp focus throughout the day.
A full-sized cannon will be in action for both static displays and the main battle, alongside the impressive firing of a Wall Gun — a giant musket mounted on a gun carriage, once used to defend aristocratic homes and gentry estates. The weekend culminates in a thrilling Clash of Arms, as Parliamentarian forces attack the Royalists in a dramatic battle through the Chiltern village.
Event schedule:
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10:00 – 16:30 Children’s Printing Activity at the Printing Press
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10:45 – 17:00 Rawdon’s 17th Century Campsite
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11:00 – 12:15 Children’s Pike Drill, followed by Hunt the Roundhead
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11:45 – 12:15 Children’s Craft Activities: Design your own Battle-Flag, Create a Miniature Drum, Make a Sweet-smelling Pomander
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12:45 – 13:15 Cannon Demonstration and Drill
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13:15 – 13:45 Soldiers Sutlery & Officer’s Dinner: Food at the Campsite
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14:00 – 14:30 Regimental Drill
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14:30 – 15:00 Soldier’s Pay at the Clerk’s Tent
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15:00 – 15:30 Children’s Craft Activities: Design your own Battle-Flag, Create a Miniature Drum, Make a Sweet-smelling Pomander
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15:30 – 16:15 Skirmish at Skippings Field
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16:30 Lodging of the Colours
To find out more visit: www.coam.org.uk/english-civil-war
Feature image: Chiltern Open Air Museum
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