Civil War returns to Lydiard
13 and 14 September

Three hundred and fifty years after Lord St John's son Edward returned to the ancestral home from the second battle of Newbury in 1645, mortally wounded fighting for the King, Cavaliers and Roundheads will again be in evidence on Heritage Open Days, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September for a Cavalier Cavalcade, funded by Arts in Business.



Members of the Sealed Knot will set up a small 17th Century Royalist garrison on the lawns of Lydiard House between 11am and 4.30pm. There will be ample opportunity to talk to soldiers and camp followers about what it was like to live through the days when war tore apart English families and wrecked communities across the land. Activities will include:

• canon and musket fire demonstrations on the hour and shows of sword play;
• costumed soldiers, their families and a cavalier on horseback;
• a tented encampment with cooking, music and craft activities;
• a costumed cavalier inside St Mary's Church telling Civil War stories and about the involvement of the St John family.

Also at Lydiard over the weekend: Uncovering history. Discover Lydiard Park's latest secrets as archaeologists from English Heritage continue to explore the grounds as part of the Lydiard Park Project. Heritage Open Weekend events include archaeological demonstrations and hands-on activities.

The Golden Cavalier in St Mary's Church: Lord St John's spectacular monument to his son Edward

Enjoy free entry to the state rooms of Lydiard House and the church. House open Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 11am - 5pm.

St Mary's Church open Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 2pm - 5pm




Elsewhere in Swindon

Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road, Old Town On display, special items which are not usually on show; finds from local metal detector enthusiasts; the flip side of art, a selection of works from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art, showing pictures on the reverse side of some of the paintings.

Children's activity - draw your favourite hidden treasure and add to the museum's treasure chest.

Saturday 13 September. 11am. Battle of Britain historic walk. On the commemorative weekend for the Battle of Britain, join Heritage Manager Robert Dickinson on a one hour guided walk to discover lost World War II buildings and traces of war just visible in Swindon's streets. Starts from the Museum in Bath Road, Old Town. Numbers are limited. Call 466556 to book a place.

Sunday 14 September. 2.30pm - 4.30pm. What's that object? Your chance to bring in any local 'finds' and have a chat with the Archaeological Finds Liaison Officer who may be able to identify them.

Sunday 14 September. 2.30pm - 4.30pm Beautiful Banners. Learn more about Victorian textiles and help to make a large banner, in a fun event for all the family. Drop in activity.

Sunday 14 September, 2pm - 5pm Richard Jefferies Museum, Coate Water The birthplace of Swindon's Victorian writer Richard Jefferies will be open for an extra summer Sunday to view mementoes from his life. For details of museum activities, call 466556.

www.sealedknot.org
www.civictrust.org.uk
www.swindon.gov.uk