English Civil War Family Fun Day pulls in the crowds

Hundreds turn up to learn more at free event held at West Berkshire Museum

MORE than 200 people of all ages had the opportunity to decide whether they were Roundheads or Cavaliers at West Berkshire Museum’s recent English Civil War Family Fun Day.

The museum invited people to drop-in, free of charge, and meet a team of historical re-enactors in period costume to learn all about life in 17th-century West Berkshire.

There was plenty of opportunity for visitors to have a go at making crafts and take part in a trail that encouraged them to ask the re-enactors questions, as well as testing their observation skills. The winners of the trail were able to make their own 17th-century replica coin.

Visitors also had the chance to handle artefacts from the time, do some colouring and draw their own scene from the Civil War – with the best winning a prize of museum goodies.

Learning and participation officer at West Berkshire Museum, Clare Bromley, said: “It was a really successful day. We had about 250 people visit and around 20 historical re-enactors from the English Civil War Society and other groups were on hand to answer questions. They were fantastic.

“Obviously Newbury has a connection to the Civil War through the two battles and the siege at Donnington Castle and it was great to see so many people turn up to learn more.”