Tag: history

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Battle of the Ages

chariotColchester Castle re-opens on 2nd May following major renovation, and to celebrate they are holding a major event between 11am – 1pm on 7th June – the Battle of the Ages.  There will also be a medieval festival in Castle Park where you will be able to roam amongst historic market traders, see live archery and watch a variety of displays.

Battle of the Ages

Six teams, sponsored by local businesses, will be taking part in the ultimate Battle of the Ages to find out which era will take the castle! Roman vs Iceni, Saxon vs Norman and Cavalier vs Roundhead will go head to head racing chariots around the castle bailey.   There will be 3 rounds, each with two competing teams.  There will then be the final between the three conquering teams of the previous rounds.

Design a Chariot

They are also running a competition (open to schools, community groups and individuals) to design one of the chariots.  Romans by schools, Saxons by community groups and the remainder by individuals.   This is your chance to look back in history, learn about different eras of Colchester’s past and create a design for one of six chariots.  The winning designs will be used in the race and the winner will receive a prize worth up to £500.

Find out more on their website at http://battleoftheages.co.uk/.

Medieval Festival

Previously known as the Oyster Fayre, this festival runs over the weekend of 7th – 8th June between 10am – 5pm in Lower Castle Park.  As well as historic market traders and archery competitons, there wi be falconry, mummers & puppets, combat & tourney displays, music & dance, storytelling and general ‘foolery’.

Find out more on their website at http://www.oysterfayre.magix.net/public/index.html.

 

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Simon of Sudbury – the French Connection

Simon of Sudbury
Simon of Sudbury gets a face

Simon of Sudbury will be the subject of a talk by Roger Green to the West Bergholt History Group   on Wednesday 11th September 2013.  Being held at the Orpen Memorial Hall, West Bergholt the meeting starts at 8pm; the cost to members is £1 with non-members £3, and includes refreshments.

Simon of Sudbury makes a fascinating subject to learn about. Well travelled and educated, a confidant of royalty & pope alike, and yet beheaded by commoners, why, how?

Simon Sudbury, also called Simon Theobald of Sudbury and Simon of Sudbury was Bishop of London from 1361 to 1375, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1375 until his death, and in the last year of his life Lord Chancellor of England. Wikipedia

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Heritage Day at St Mary’s (Old) Church

Heritage of St Mary's Old Church
Heritage at St Mary’s Old Church, West Bergholt

The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church are holding a Heritage Day in the Old Church in conjunction with the Churches Conservation Trust between 10am – 4pm on Sunday 15th September.

Heritage walk around

A walk round leaflet costing 50p will tell you more about this old building so come and find out more about the Old Church:
  • view the Royal Coat of Arms, which was painted over the chancel arch by order of King James 1 (reigned 1603-25) and only discovered in 1986;
  • examine the massive oak chest which dates from about 1400; and
  • try the seats in the 18th C gallery.

Other attractions

There will also be:
  • an exhibition by professional and amateur artists;
  • Christmas cards of the Old Church for sale; and
  • Refreshments available
Find out more about the Old Church on our webpage, the location for those unsure is St. Mary’s (Old) Church, Hall Lane, West Bergholt, CO6 3DU.
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Conflict in the 19th Century Essex Countryside

19th century threshing machine
The type of machinery targeted by the Swing Rioters

This subject of the WEA’s next 10-week course is led by tutor, Ted Woodgate who intends to use Essex newspapers of the time to help investigate such areas as:

  • the drama of the West Bergholt fires,
  • the Swing riots,
  • the formation of a national farm workers’ union, and
  • the birth of political rights for rural workers.
The venue is the Methodist Hall in Chapel Lane CO6 3EF and the course starts on Tuesday 15th January 2013 at
8.00 pm.
Everyone one is welcome and if you’re not sure whether this is for you, why not come along without obligation on the first night before deciding if to enrol?  Cost for the 10 weeks is still £45.  Further information from our Secretary on 01206 240791 or e-mail [antibot mailto=” [email protected]”]
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Did you know…

… that there has been a church in West Bergholt dedicated to St Mary the Virgin since Saxon times?

To test your brain-power and knowledge why not pop along to the Bergholt Heath Youth Football quiz on Saturday 27th February. Tickets are £10 in advance from Jackie Dixey on 07846 428229 – or £12 on the door- find out more here.

To learn more about the history of St Mary’s and, in particular its rectors including one who met the disfavour of ‘the virgin queen’ visit the article on our website at http://www.westbergholt.net/his_stubborn_rector.htm.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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