History in the Park
Multi-period displays at
Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Bedfont Road, Feltham, West London
(Off the A30 at the Clockhouse Roundabout, 4 miles East of M25 Junction 13)
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July 2004
Free Admission (a small parking charge applied)
Re-enactments - living history - fighting knights - children's activities - drama - music & dance - archery and much more!
As
part of the park's annual country fair and as a "taster" for next year's planned living
history spectacular on 1-2 October 2005, EventPlan presented a modest but very
enjoyable multi-era show featuring a number of top groups.
Around 8,000 people enjoyed varied historical and other displays. Many visitors to the country fair had not seen a historical event before, let alone a multi-period presentation, and were spellbound. Exciting battles and living history displays, all enjoying the park's picturesque backdrops, proved extremely popular. This all augers well for our planned large-scale living history event next year - watch for details.
Photo gallery to follow shortly.
Participants and displays
The Lion Rampant brought the pageantry of the Medieval world vividly to life in a highly entertaining all-day show with music, dance, drama, archery and combat plus a colourful tourney fought between knights in shining plate armour and chain mail.
A desperate gang of C18th highwaymen
lay in wait for the unwary,
portrayed by members of
Lace Wars.
Visitors were particularly impressed by exciting American Civil War action and living history from The Southern Skirmish Association, including two battles.
Cowboys and native Americans of the Wyoming Wild Bunch presented exciting shoot outs, and relived everyday life on the great plains.
Early C20th polar explorers were recreated by The Antarctic Adventurers
British volunteers of the Internationale Brigade from the Spanish Civil War, portrayed by La Columna, set up an encampment.
The Vickers Machine Gunners Society and 43. Recce recreated WWII British soldiers of the decisive Normandy campaign, which took place 60 years ago this summer.
Timetable of displays
| Noon | Medieval dancing and singing, by the Lion Rampant |
| 12.45pm | Wild West shoot out, by the Wyoming Wild Bunch |
| 1pm | Medieval archery tournament, with the Lion Rampant |
| 1.30pm | American Civil War battle by the Southern Skirmish Association |
| 2pm | Medieval drama, by the Lion Rampant |
| 2.45pm | Wild West shoot out |
| 3pm | Arming a medieval knight, with the Lion Rampant |
| Highwaymen! Presented by Lace Wars | |
| 3.30pm | American Civil War skirmish |
| 4pm | Medieval Tournament, by the Lion Rampant |
Plus ongoing living history displays, Noon to 5pm:
The country
park is an
extremely attractive 180 acre landscaped man-made amenity, part park and part
nature reserve. Completed in 1995 following a massive revitalisation project, it
was the largest open space created in London during the 20th Century
and features extensive grounds, low hills, trees and lakes in a very pleasant
setting. Despite being close to Heathrow Airport it is untroubled by aircraft
noise as there are no flight paths over it. In short, it's a green oasis close
to Central London, yet tranquil and ideal for events.
Location and Access
The park is well worth a visit even on a non-event day and is extremely easy to find, being situated just inside the M25, 4 miles from the M25 off the Clockhouse Roundabout on the A30 towards central London. Click for a map and directions
Disabled visitor access: Most of the park is accessible to those with disabilities via flat ground or pathways.
Other events 2004
Click here for details of many other historical events organised by EventPlan this summer.
Back to Events 2004 or Chronological events listing.
Links to Events 2005 EventPlan Home Page EventPlan News
Updated 30 November 2004