| Stamford Museum | Broad Street Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 1PJ |
tel: 01780 - 766317 fax: 01780 - 480363 |
| Stamford Museum interprets the history and archaeology of this
unique stone town. Displays explore its development, traditions and famous associations. Facilities - schools' & children's activities, loan box service, gift shop. | ||
| Mon - Sat 10.00 - 17.00 Sun (Easter -Oct) 14.00 - 17.00 Free admission |
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| Events | 13 March - 3 July September Cromwell and Stamford A temporary exhibition looking at Cromwell's and Parliament's links with the town | |
| Basing House Ruins | Redbridge Lane Basing Basingstoke Hants RG24 7HB |
tel: 01256 - 467294 |
| Basing House Ruins were once England's largest Tudor private
palace. Civil war brought disaster to the House which fell to Cromwell in person after two and a half years of seige in 1645. | ||
| Wed - Sun & Bank Hol.s (April - Sept) 14.00 - 18.00 Adults £1.50 OAP's & children 70p |
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| Hinchingbrooke House | Brampton Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE18 6BN |
tel: 01480 - 451121 |
| Ancestral home of the Cromwell family and the Earls of Sandwich, with origins in medieval nunnery. | ||
| Sundays (May - Aug) 14.00 - 17.00 Adults £2.00 OAPs & children £1.00 |
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| Events | 25 April 14.00 - 17.00 Special house opening | |
| Admiral Blake Museum | Blake Street Bridgwater Somerset TA6 3AR |
tel: 01278 - 456127 |
| Birthplace of Robert Blake (1598 - 1657), Cromwell's
General-at-Sea. Blake's own 400th anniversary in 1998 is celebrated with new exhibitions - now open. Also displays of archaeology local history and the Monmouth Rebellion (1685). | ||
| Tues - Sat 10.00 - 16.00 Free admission |
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| Chavenage House | Chavenage Tetbury Gloucestershire GL8 8XP |
tel: 01666 - 502239 |
| A Roundhead staging post owned by Nathaniel Stephens MP,
persuaded by Cromwell to vote for the King's impeachment. Soon after Charles 1 execution Stephens died and his ghostly from was seen being driven away by a headless coachman! | ||
| Thur.s & Sun ( May - Sept) 14.00 - 17.00 & Easter Sun & Mon, and B.Hols Groups (20+) at any time by appointment Adults £3.00 Children £1.50 |
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| Sidney Sussex College | Sidney Street Cambridge CB2 3HU |
tel: 01223 - 338800 web: www.sid.cam.ac.uk |
| Cromwell was admitted at Sidney on 23 April 1616, but left
after his father's death in 1617. A plaque in the Ante-Chapel records the burial of his head in the College in 1960. | ||
| Admission restricted | ||
| Events | 26 April - 30 September 'That Great Imposter' An exhibition looking at the image of Cromwell in literature and politics. | |
| All Saints' Church, Huntingdon |
Market Hill Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE18 6NR |
tel: 01480 - 453230 |
| Huntingdon's Parish Church with many connections to Cromwell and his family, including what is thought to be Cromwell's baptismal font - special exhibition to mark the 500th anniversary of the Church. | ||
| Open for normal Services and exhibition, see events Free admission |
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| Events | 18 May - 31 August Tues,Wed,Fri & Sat 11.00 - 15.00 Exhibition of the history of All Saints' Church and its many connections with Cromwell and his family to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the present building. | |
| Jewish Museum | 129/131 Albert Street Camden Town London NW1 7NB (nearest tube Camden Town) |
tel: 0171 - 284 - 1997 fax: 0171 - 267 - 9008 |
| The Jewish Museum shows the history of Jews in England and
Jewish religious life. Text panels and a showcase describe the negotiations between Cromwell and Menasseh ben Israel leading to the 1656 Resettlement. | ||
| Sun - Thurs 10.00 - 16.00 Closed Jewish Festivals & Bank Hol.s Adults £3.00 Senior citizens £2.00 Children,students,UB40 £1.50 |
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| Events | 25 April Oliver Cromwell and the readmission of Jews to
England. A lecture by Edgar Samuel. | |
| The Manor House | Manor Road Donington le Heath Coalville Leicester LE67 2FW |
tel: 01530 - 831259 |
| Special temporary exhibition and weekend of events August 7 - 8th. See Diary of Events for details. | ||
| Daily 11.00 - 17.00 Admission Free |
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| Events | 3 August - 30 September Cromwell's Commonwealth A special temporary exhibition - see Leicestershire Record Office for full details 7 - 8 August Donington in Cromwell's time Donington Museum | |
| Leicestershire Record Office | Long Street Wigston Magna Leicester LE18 2AH |
tel: 0116 - 257 1080 fax: 0116 - 257 1120 web: www.leics.gov.uk |
| County Record Office | ||
| Mon - Fri 9.15 - 17.00 (Wed extended to 19.30, Friday closes 16.45) Sat 9.15 - 12.15. Closed 1- 3 May, 29 May - 1 June Admission Free |
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| Events | 24 April - 31 July Cromwell and Commonwealth A display of Cromwell letters from the County's archives and a look at the Commonwealth period through local documents, at Leicestershire Record Office, then touring through county. | |
| Mansfield College | Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TF |
tel: 01865 - 270999 |
| Mansfield College, part of the University of Oxford, was the
first Nonconformist (Congregationalist) at Oxford or Cambridge, and remains
proud of its "Independency" tradition. Special lecture on 25 April. | ||
| * | ||
| Events | 25 April Oliver Cromwell and Godly Englishmen A public lecture by Prof. John Morrill, FBA Vice master of Selwyn College, Cambridge and national chair of the Cromwell Quatercentenary Committee. Lecture begins at 17.45, admission free, discussion will follow. | |
| Sutton House (National Trust) | 2 & 4 Homerton High Street Hackney London E9 6JQ |
tel: 0181 - 986 - 2264 |
| Sutton House will host an exhibition about Oliver Cromwell and his impact on East London from Easter until December 1999. | ||
| Wed, Sun, & BH Mons (3Feb - 24 Nov) 11.30 - 17.30 Sat 14.00 - 17.30 14.00 - 17.30 Adults £ 2.00 Children 50p |
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| Events | Easter - December Cromwell and East London Exhibition about Cromwell's impact on the area. | |
| Carlyle's House (National Trust) | 24 Cheyne Row London SW3 5HL |
tel: 0171 - 352 - 7087 |
| The home of historian Thomas Carlyle. His study of the Long Parliament and Puritanism led to Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches, published in five volumes in 1845; the first edition of 1,200 copies sold out within the first month. | ||
| Wed - Sun (27 March - 31 Oct) 11.00 - 17.00 Last admission 16.30 Closed Good Friday open BH Mon.s Adults £ 3.30 Children £1.65 |
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| Cambridge University Library | West Road Cambridge CB3 9DR |
tel: 01223 - 333000 |
| The University Library will mount a special temporary
exhibition A brave bad man: Oliver Cromwell 1599 - 1658 see Diary of Events for details | ||
| Mon - Fri 9.00 - 18.00 Sat 9.00 - 12.30 Free admission |
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| Events | 27 April - 9 October A brave bad man: Oliver Cromwell 1599 -
1658 (Closed 16 - 23 Sept) Special temporary exhibition drawn from the Library's collections | |
| Tower of London | London EC3N 4AB |
tel: 0171 - 709 - 0765 |
| Seized from the King in 1643 the Tower of London was a
parliamentary stronghold throughout the Civil War. Cromwell also installed the
first permanent garrison here, still in residence today. Home also to the Crown Jewels, Beefeaters and over 900 years of history, visit and see why the Tower is London. | ||
| Mon - Sat (March - October) 9.00 - 17.00 Sun (March - October)10.00 - 17.00 Tues - Sat (Nov - Feb) 9.00 - 16.00 Sun - Mon (Nov - Feb) 10.00 - 16.00 Adult £9.50 Child £6.25 Cons £7.15 Family £28.40 |
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| Events | 24 - 31 October English Civil War Society at the Tower Week of re-enactments and activities at the Tower | |
| Goodrich Castle | Goodrich Ross on Wye Herefordshire |
tel: 01600 890538 |
| A splendid castle, built of red sandstone, overlooking the Wye
valley. Scene of a famous Civil War siege - the 104 man Royalist Garrison surrendering after damage inflicted by "Roaring Meg" - a mortar launching a 200 pound shot. Watch out for the "Siege of Goodrich" re-enactment in 1999. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Ashby de la Zouch Castle | South Street Ashby de la Zouch Leicestershire |
tel: 01530 - 413343 |
| Played an important part in the Royalist defence of the
Midlands during the Civil War. The underground passages which helped the Royalist Garrison during the long and dramatic siege of 1644 to 1646 can still be explored. The Castle was mined and partly demolished in 1649. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March Wed - Sun 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Boscobel House & The Royal Oak | Bishops Wood Salop Shropshire |
tel: 01902 - 850244 |
| King CharlesII hid at Boscobel and the nearby Royal Oak after
the battle of Worcester in 1651 to avoid detection by Cromwell's troops. Today the house is fully furnished and restored, with a farmhouse, dairy, smithy and exhibition to explore. Tea room and gardens. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 December, 1 Feb - 31 March: Wed - Sun, 10.00 - 16.00. Last admission to the house 30 mins before closing. |
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| Kenilworth Castle | Kenilworth Warwickshire |
tel: 01926 - 852078 |
| The ruined glory of Elizabethan England, Kenilworth has been
intimately linked with some of the most important names in English history. Following the Battle of Edgehill in the Civil War its walls were partly demolished by Parliamentarian troops. Tudor Garden and tea rooms. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Sherborne Old Castle | Sherborne Dorset |
tel: 01935 - 812730 |
| Described by Cromwell as a 'malicious and mischievous' castle. Owned by Lord Digby, a principal adviser to the King, the royalist garrison held the castle until 1645 before falling when stormed by Cromwell's troops. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March Wed - Sun 10.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 16.00 |
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| Portland Castle | Portland Dorset |
tel: 01305 - 820539 |
| Superbly preserved Henrician fort which changed hands several
times during the Civil War. Even when under parliamentary garrison the Royal Manor of Portland remained loyal to the King throughout. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April - 31 October 10.00 - 18.00 (17.00 on October) | ||
| Pendennis Castle | Falmouth, Cornwall |
tel: 01326 - 316594 |
| Royalist stronghold besieged for five months until starvation
and disease forced an honourable surrender.
Queen Henrietta Maria escaped from here to France, and the future Charles II departed from Pendennis to the Scilly Isles. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Old Wardour Castle | Nr Tisbury Wiltshire |
tel: 01722 - 336855 |
| Besieged twice during the Civil War the romantic ruin that can
be enjoyed today was created following the battle which followed the siege of
1644 described by a preacher of the day as 'famous to posterity, both for
active and passive valour to the utmost'.
See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March Wed - Sun 10.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 16.00 |
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| Beeston Castle | Beeston Tarporley Cheshire CW6 9TX |
tel: 01829 - 260464 |
| Standing dramatically on sheer rocky crags Beeston Castle
commands views across eight counties. A new exhibition outlines the 4,000 year history of this strategic site, including the Civil War sieges. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Helmsley Castle | Helmsley North Yorkshire YO6 5AG |
tel: 01439 - 770442 |
| Spectacular earthworks surround the great ruined keep of this
12th century castle. Exhibition on the history of the castle including the part it played in the English Civil War. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March Wed - Sun 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Scarborough Castle | Castle Road Scarborough YO11 1HY |
tel: 01723 - 372451 |
| There are panoramic coastal views from this extensive 12th
century castle. A free audio tour relates the history of the castle including the dramatic events of the Civil War. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March Wed - Sun 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Tynemouth Priory & Castle | North Shields Tyne and Wear NE30 4BZ |
tel: 0191 - 257 - 1090 |
| The castle walls and gatehouse enclose the substanstial remains
of the Benedictine priory, including the Percy Chantry. This strategic site
has guarded the mouth of the Tyne for 800 years.
See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March Wed - Sun 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Carisbrooke Castle | Newport Isle of Wight |
tel: 01938 - 522107 |
| Visit the castle where King Charles I was imprisoned. See the window from which he unsuccessfully tried to escape. Also visit the Castle Museum with Charles I memorabilia. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Deal Castle | Deal nr. Dover Kent |
tel: 01304 - 372762 |
| Discover the Tudor Castle which played a strategic part and was
besieged by both sides in the Kentish uprising of 1648.
See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March Wed - Sun. 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Dover Castle | Dover Kent |
tel: 01304 - 211067 |
| A magnificent castle, known as the key of England. In 1625 the Castle acted as a reception point for Charle's I new Queen, Henrietta Maria. Later it played a strategic role in the Civil War. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| 1 April- 31 October 10.00 - 18.00, (17.00 in October) 1 November - 31 March 10.00 - 16.00 |
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| Donnington Castle | Newbury Berkshire |
tel: 01732 - 778028 |
| See the surviving twin-towered gatehouse of the castle which
was the focal point of the battle of Donnington in 1646. See English Heritage entry on this page. | ||
| Open at any reasonable time | ||
| Oliver Cromwell's House | 29 St Mary's Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4HF |
tel: 01353 - 662062 fax: 01353 - 668518 |
| Oliver Cromwell and his family moved to Ely in 1636 and lived
in the city for some 10 years. His old home is now open to the public throughout the year, and the period room contain sets, exhibitions about Cromwell and the drainage of the Fens. There are hats and helmets to try, and a dressing up box for children. The house guide is available in five languages. The house is also home to the Ely Tourist Information Centre, which provides a comprehensive information service for the district. Information brochures can be sent out on request, at no charge. Contact the house for details of special events. | ||
| April - September Mon - Sun 10.00 - 17.30 October - March Mon - Sat 10.00 - 17.00 / Sun 12.15 - 17.00 Adults £2.50 Concessions £2.10 Family ticket £5.00 Group rates available |
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| National Army Museum | Royal Hospital Road Chelsea London SW3 4HT |
tel: 0171 - 730 - 0717 fax: 0171 - 823 - 6573 web: http://www.failte.com/nam/ |
| The National Army Museum in Chelsea tells the compelling story
of the British soldier from the archers of Henry V to the peacekeepers of today. Find out more about Cromwell's soldiers ( and their adversaries) in the Redcoats Gallery where original artefacts, uniforms, weapons and paintings combine with life- size models and reconstructions to bring the experiences of the 17th century soldier vividly to life. Try on a Civil War helmet, feel the weight of a 17th century cannon ball and listen to contemporary soldiers' songs whilst discovering the facts behind the myths of the Civil War. | ||
| Mon - Sun 10.00 - 17.30 Closed New Years Day, early May BH, 24 - 26 December Free admission |
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| Events | See 25 April, 29 April, 6 May and 13 May on Diary Page | |
| The Commandery Civil War Centre | Sidbury Worcester WR1 2HU |
tel: 01905 - 355071 |
| The Commandery Civil War Centre is a delightful mainly
timber-framed building in the very heart of the oldest quarter of the city of
Worcester. As well as containing treasures from Worcester's Medieval past, the Commandery has connections with England's dramatic Civil War. Worcester saw the final battle of the war in 1651 and Charles II made the Commandery the Royalist headquarters. Fascinating museum displays, including the trial of King Charles I, tell the dramatic story of one of England's most turbulent periods of history. The Commandery also stages Special Events and activities to suit every taste and age. | ||
| Mon - Sat 10.00 - 17.00 Sun 13.30 - 17.00 Closed New Years Day, 25 - 26 December Adults £3.50 Concessions £2.35 Family ticket £9.30 Group rates available |
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| Events | 6 - 7 March: See Diary Page 2 - 5 April: Easter Civil War encampment. All aspects of 17th century life re-created by Worcester's own Civil War force the Worcester Militia. 26 - 30 April: Tudor festival. A recreation of the visit of Queen Elizabeth I to Worcester in 1575. Aimed at Key Stage 2 members of the public welcome to watch. 29 - 31 May: Oak Apple Day celebrations. Worcester & the Commandery commemorate the Restoration of Charles II. Lots of activities and entertainment for the whole family. 28 June - 9 July: Civil War Festival. Experience life during the siege of Worcester in 1646, including those of musketeers, pikemen, a baggage train and a master surgeon. Aimed at Key Stage 3 members of the public welcome to watch. 4 September: Cromwell Study Day | |
| Museum of London | 150 London Wall London EC2 Y 5HN |
tel: 0171 - 600 - 0807
web: http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk |
| Cromwell - Warts and All. A special exhibition 8 January - 28
February 1998 The Museum of London's Cromwell Collection is one of the largest of its kind. Formed by Sir Richard Tangye, a wealthy industrialist and passionate enthusiast for all things Cromwell, the collection was acquired by the (then) London Museum in 1912. It includes many rare manuscipts and printed books, medals, paintings, objets d'art, and a bizzare assemblage of 'relics', such as Cromwell's Bible, button, coffin plate, death mask and funeral escutcheon. Cromwell - Warts and All presents many of these fascinating objects to the public for the first time. | ||
| Open 7 days a week Adults £5.00 Concessions £3.00 Under 5s free Visitors with disabilities (& assisters) free Family £12.00 |
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| Events | 8 January - 28 February Cromwell - Warts and All 10 February Sixth form conference. The English Civil War and Interregnum. 13 February Conference. Cromwell - Revered and reviled 19 February 13.10 - 14.00 Lunchtime lecture. Cromwell 1599 - 1999 Further information on events contact the Interpretation Unit on 0171- 600 - 3699 | |
| Cromwell Museum | Grammar School Walk Huntingdon Cambridgeshire |
tel: 01480 - 375830 e.mail: john.goldsmith@libraries.camcnty.gov.uk |
| The Cromwell Museum, in Cromwell's birthplace Huntingdon was
formerly the town's grammar school. Oliver Cromwell received his initial education here before going on to Cambridge. The Museum, opened in 1962, is the only public collection dedicated to Cromwell. It interprets his life and legacy and exhibits portraits of Cromwell, his family and his contemporaries. There are many personal objects owned by Cromwell which have passed down through his family, including his powder flask, medicine chest and the hat he is said to have worn at the dismissal of the Long Parliament in 1653. There is also a small collection of arms and armour and a group of swords associated with the Lord Protector. The Museum will be mounting a series of small temporary exhibitions throughout the year - see the diary of events for details. The Museum is provided by Cambridgeshire County Council. | ||
| Tues - Sun (April - Oct) 11.00 - 13.00, 14.00- 17.00 (16.00 Sat - Sun) Tues - Fri ( Nov - Mar ) 13.00 - 16.00 Sat (Nov - Mar) 11.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 16.00 Sun (Nov - Mar) 14.00 - 16.00 Free admission |
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| Events | 12 Jan - 28 Mar Statues & stained glass: images of
Cromwell 1 April - 27 June Cromwell collections - past, present and future 2 July - 26 Sept Cromwell's head and its curious history 1 Oct - 31 Dec Remembering Cromwell - Cromwell in popular culture | |
| Torrington 1646 | Castle Hill Great Torrington North Devon EX38 8AA |
tel: 01805 - 622422 |
| An exciting and unique blend of living history and carefully
researched information brings to life the period of the English Civil War and the Battle of Great Torrington, 16th February 1646 | ||
| Daily 10.00 - 16.00 Adults £3.50 Children £2.50 |
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| Events | 16 February - Commemorative march of the Battle of Torrington 2 April - Opening of Torrington 1646 | |
| Huntingdon | ||
| Oliver Cromwell's birthplace, Huntingdon, will be marking his
400th anniversary in style, with a wide programme of events promoted by
Huntingdonshire District Council and other local organisations. The programme includes an early music concert by Sirinu, 23 April. The highlight will be the recreation of a 17th century street market on Cromwell's birthday, Sunday 25 April, in Huntingdon town centre, which still boasts interesting buildings with Cromwellian connections, and there will be a special party for those who share his birthday! In September performance will take place of a specially written community play about Cromwell - the man - by Michael Burrell, and performed by local people. Further details from Viv Peters, Community Services, Huntingdonshire District Council, Pathfinder House, St Mary's Street, Huntingdon, PE18 6TN tel. 01480 - 388057, fax 01480 - 388273, e-mail vpeters@huntsdc.gov.uk | ||
| English Heritage | ||
Many of English Heritage's properties were directly involved in the
English Civil War. Visitors can learn of sieges and slighting, victories and
defeats, via displays and audio tours. Become an English Heritage member and
visit them all in 1999!
The 400th anniversary year of Oliver
Cromwell's birth will be commemorated with a series of to quality English
Heritage events around England, ranging from Tudor life in the year he was born
to 17th century living history, exciting military displays and re-enactments.
Cromwell's decisive influence on the outcome of the English Civil War will be
shown in fascinating "Cromwell's Army" events, depicting the superb
infantry, cavalry and artillery of the famous New Model Army recreated by award
winning 17th century re-enactors.
Full details are featured in our
free full colour 1999 special events diary, published in March, ask at any
staffed EH property or call Customer Services on 0171 - 973 - 3396 for a copy
and membership information.
Admission prices vary from property to
property.
Home Page | Where did he come from? | Cromwell the Soldier
Cromwell the Politician | The English Civil Wars | History's Verdict on Cromwell
Diary of Events | Places to Visit | Cromwell Association
Cromwell CD ROM | Cromwell Souvenirs | How to find out more - reading
How to find out more - Other Sources | On-line Exhibition | What Happened in 1899?
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