We have attended this event for many years and it is always excellent. The living history group “Hands on the Past” vividly recreates Elizabethan England.
It is 1588, the year of the Armada. The English are preparing to resist the Spanish invaders, but the gentry household at Baddesley Clinton is Catholic and therefore is suspected of having divided loyalties. Moreover they may have hidden Catholic priests within the thick walls and chimney breasts of the house.
The pupils participated in six group activities, ranging from trying on hats (important indicators of social status) to weapons drill with the militia (their teachers being forced to take the role of a captured Spanish spy!). Finally they all watched a demonstration of the firing of a real musket.
The lovely medieval house and its surroundings were especially beautiful in the fine summer weather. This was as usual a most enjoyable and interesting day out.
S. Waterson