17th Century Merchant’s House visited by soldiers from the same era

Today the Merchant’s House was overrun by soldiers. Well, that’s a slight exaggeration as the ‘soldiers’ were a troop from Devereux’s Regiment of Foot, re-enacting the 17th Century, the time when the Merchant’s House was built and also when the Battle of Marlborough took place (in 1642). Some of the troops of the original 17th century Devereux’s regiment were quite possibly from Marlborough, or from around this area as the regiment was drawn from the communities of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire so in some ways this was a homecoming.

The day started by a detachment of troops escorting the Mayor, Councillor Nick Fogg from the Town Hall to the Merchant’s House, along with the town’s Mace Bearers Bob Dobie and Barry Fry, and Ceremonial Officer, David Sherratt.

Then into The Merchant’s House where visitors and troops were given tours around the house, and also spent time doing what they – or their forebears – would once of done such as creating pistols, writing texts and playing medieval instruments.

Ceremonial Officer, David Sherrard also gave a talk to the Regiment and visitors to the house a short talk about the Town’s impressive (and historic) maces (see pic).

The Gunsmith was busy at work creating a ‘Spanish Lock’ for a replica pistol. He is pictured holding an original 17th century flintlock pistol, long since decommissioned, but still in beautiful condition with a walnut stock, which, along with maple was the chosen wood for such weapons. To the front of the pic is a wheel lock pistol, a far more complex design than the flintlock, ant some point quite soon the ‘Spanish Lock’ replica pistol will be finished.

Mayor Nick Fogg and Ceremonial Officer David Sherrard both signed a document (see pic below). Not quite sure what they were signing, but it certainly looked important and using a quill – difficult, a technique that requires mastery.

The day was open to the public and is The Merchant’s House creating an interactive way of engaging with young people in the history of Marlborough, where they will be able to see, hear and smell (cooking! – a hogs head was being prepared) and experience what life would have been like in their town over 350 years ago. The visit was also an opportunity to encourage members of the public to experience The Merchant’s House, what it hais, the history, and its importance to Marlborough. also, if they wish, maybe to join as a ‘Friend‘, or even as a volunteer to help and show other members of the public – those from around here, but also the many visitors from elsewhere – around the house so that they can share and experience what life was like for residents of Marlborough in the seventeenth century.