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 23 and Sunday 24 July 2005

 

Free Admission (a small parking charge applied)

 

Re-enactments - living history - children's activities and much more!

 

Following the success of our 2004 show EventPlan was asked to present another very enjoyable multi-era show in this picturesque park, featuring a number of top groups with exciting battles and living history displays. This formed part of the park's annual country fair (the latter being held Sunday only). Click for photos.

 

Participants and displays   

 

Local Romans and Britons from the early years of the Roman province of Britannia, portrayed by The Vicus.

 

Have a go medieval archery with All of a Quiver (a small fee applied).

 

Would you have fought for Parliament or for King Charles in the English Civil War? Visitors could decide for themselves as they met soldiers and camp followers from the era of Battle of Brentford 1642, depicted by members of the English Civil War Society . There was a living history encampment to stroll through and a chance for the children to learn the drill and tactics with "muskets" and "pikes".

 

A desperate gang of C18th highwaymen lay in wait for the unwary, portrayed by members of Lace Wars.

 

The Southern Skirmish Association presented exciting American Civil War action, and a large living history camp . Visitors saw Union and Confederate troops in camp, on campaign and in battle, and found out how extraordinarily closely Great Britain was linked with this epic struggle, including with an estimated 50,000 Britons taking part as volunteers on both sides. Did you know that Britain very nearly entered the war as allies of the Confederates? Visitors discovered how close this came and the reasons why in the end, Britain remained a spectator rather than participant.

 

Hands on History presented The Railway Family - a look at Victorian Life, and enjoyable interactive show of how the Victorians developed the railway network, and solved the problems it caused by developing technology and rules & regulations. There was also a tent set up as a parlour, with ongoing Victorian writing/education, laundry, pastimes, needlework/original clothing, and hat challenge!

 

And on Sunday, the park shook to World War II Display Team's spectacular 25-pounder howitzer firing displays!    

 

The show venue - Bedfont Lakes Country Park   

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.

 

Disabled visitor access: Most of the park is accessible to those with disabilities via flat ground or pathways. 

Other events 2005

Click here for details of many other historical events organised by EventPlan this summer.

 

Back to    Events 2005       

Links to         EventPlan Home Page        EventPlan News

 

Updated 11 June 2006