There might have been a gap of three hundred and seventy two years between the actual Battle of Marlborough in 1642 and the first re-enactment held in 2014, but only five years until the second re-enactment (2019) and (likely) now only another five gap before the third re-enactment as the Town Council, last night (Monday 06 November) approved in principle to look to welcome the ‘old soldiers’ of yesteryear back to the High Street and The Common in the summer of next year.
It was a momentous occasion back in July 2019 for the last re-enactment when Marlborough was again overrun by soldiers on medieval uniform, with replica medieval weaponry (some looked pretty real), horses, cannons and a general good fun atmosphere enjoyed by both those doing a bit of ‘re-enacting’ and everyone else watching on. It did draw a pretty big crowd.
Click here to see what happened in 2019.
In principle it was agreed to move forward with the re-enactment in the summer of 2024 and next year’s Mayor, current Deputy Mayor Kymee Cleasby was keen to give the town an ‘economic ‘boost’ which is what Marlborough enjoyed both in the Summers of 2019 and 2014.
But before the High Street and The Common get invaded by troops from centuries back, there will be some of their colleagues – this time representing Devereux’s Regiment (for Parliament) – who will be visiting The Merchant’s House on Saturday 9 December between 10am and 4pm. The plan for the day will be to put re-enactors in the various rooms of the house, except the Panelled Room (which is now the Christmas Shop). The rooms will include kitchen, dining room and a couple of the rooms upstairs. There could also be a couple of troops on the High Street, and, probably, the regiment flag flying from the shop front.
Visitors will be able to experience the sights and sounds of a house in the 17th century, learning more about how people lived, worked and fought during that time. The house will come alive to the sounds of music and dancing. there will be a cost – £5 for adults but children free.
Policing in Marlborough – Police are always here, as part of the community
