Civil War re-enactment comes to Shaw House – Saturday 6 March

Visitors to West Berkshire Council’s Shaw House on Saturday 6th March will be transported back to Civil War times. The Earl of Rivers’ Regiment will come to blows as they perform their drill in the grounds outside the house at around 2pm.

The Regiment is part of The Sealed Knot Society, the largest re-enactment society in Europe. They travel all over the U.K with thousands of others to re-enact the English Civil War and have been active in the Thames Valley area for more than 35 years.

From 11am, a few soldiers will be demonstrating their weapons, including 16-18 foot pikes, muskets and swords. The drill in the afternoon gives a greater number of combatants the chance to practice and learn manoeuvres prior to their battlefield events. Finally they will split into two sides and prepare to do battle! The skirmish that follows will continue until around 4pm.

Throughout the day civilian re-enactors will chat to visitors about what day to day life was like during the time of the civil war. Amongst them will be a ‘bodger’; a man who could 'bodge' repairs on furniture using a simple pole lathe, a bit like a spinning top controlled with his foot as he carved.

A few soldiers will also be in residence around the house on the 7th, 20th and 21st March to explain their clothing, weapons and the role they play in Civil War events.

There is also a new special exhibition inside the historic manor. “Tradition Says” focuses on the exciting Civil War story at the House. Visitors will be fascinated to learn that a well loved story is just that; a story. Charles I was reputed to have been shot at while standing in a window on the first floor at Shaw House during the Second Battle of Newbury in 1644 appears to have never been at the house! Contemporary sources suggest that the King was quartered elsewhere. Where? Why? For that you will have to visit and find out.

The exhibition also includes a portrait of Jacob, Lord Astley, commander of the Royalist Infantry, known to have played a key role in the second. The 1640 oil painting is kindly lent by a leading specialist dealer. West Berkshire Museum is currently trying to raise £16,000 to purchase it.

There is a lot at Shaw House in this new season for the younger visitor too. Ethel the Sheep has taken up residence in 1581 Chambers activity room to befriend children and introduce them to the trade that made the builder of Shaw House, Thomas Dolman, and indeed Newbury, so wealthy: Cloth. Youngsters can also make themselves a hat, from our trove of craft materials, inspired by another object from the exhibition, the 17th Century Shaw House Iron Hat. And don’t forget the wheelie dos, they’re back! You’ll find these mobile activity stations throughout the house.

Baby changing facilities are available and there are high chairs in the café which serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, snacks and ice cream. Finally don’t forget the gift shop which stocks something for all visitors from nostalgic ex-pupils to younger visitors and those with a sweet tooth!

Shaw House is open every weekend for the rest of 2010. Throughout February and March opening hours are 11am – 4pm. The House is also open for half term, everyday from 11am to 4pm. Visit our website http://www.shawhouse.org.uk or call 01635 279279 for more information.

For further information please contact Lucy Rumens, Marketing & Tourism Manager, lrumens@westberks.gov.uk or 01635 519397.