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The Battle of St Fagans comes to life this Spring Bank Holiday weekend

Visitors to St Fagans National History Museum can experience the clash of swords, the shouts of men and the smell of gun smoke in a unique large scale living history event this bank holiday weekend. On 28-29th May, 6-9pm, “The Battle”, a re-enactment event in collaboration with the English Civil War Society will take place at the museum giving visitors the opportunity to witness a historical Welsh battle come alive before their eyes.

Today, the village of St Fagans with its popular museum, quaint houses, thatched roofs and village pub is a serene and beautiful spot, but the village was once witness to the largest skirmish ever to take place on Welsh soil.

In May 1648, 11,000 men met here in bloody battle. The Parliamentary army crushed the Royalists and it is said that the river Ely ran red with the blood of the fallen as more than 700 Glamorganshire men fell on the battlefield.

Visitors can step back in time and find out what life was like for a 17th century soldier and speak to the villagers to hear their fears and thoughts. Experience the nervous apprehension of soldiers preparing for battle and see replica weapons including cannons, muzzle-loading gunpowder-firing muskets, swords and billhooks being prepared for battle. Listen to the commanders mustering their troops for battle and marvel at the skilful horse riders challenging the opposing troops. Witness the conflict that took place when these two forces met on the Field of Battle!

Bethan Lewis, Head of St Fagans National History Museum, said, 

“We are delighted to be putting the exciting battle event for visitors over the bank holiday weekend.

“Visitors can really step back in time to see life as it was in 1648 and watch history come alive. There will be something for everyone, from craft making and cooking, talk to soldiers and villagers or just enjoy the spectacular sights and sounds of gun fire and clashing of swords as we relive the big battle. It’s going to be an exciting weekend. Don’t miss out! Buy your tickets now!

Jason Taylor, Operations Director at Kier Construction commented:

“We are really pleased to support the reenactment of the Battle of St Fagans. It will offer visitors, families and children a great occasion to step back in time and experience living history in one of Wales’s most popular tourist attractions.”

Building work continues at St Fagans National History Museum as the site undergoes the biggest redevelopment project in the history of the Museum.  This has been made possible by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Welsh Government and other supporters. St Fagans was awarded the largest grant ever given by the HLF in Wales in 2012 to help tell the stories of life in Wales over 200,000 years and more.

Cost Adults £10, Children £5 (16 and under)

Booking via http://www.ticketlineuk.com/event/st-fagans or call 029 2023 0130

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales operates seven museums across Wales including National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans National History Museum, the National Roman Legion Museum, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, the National Wool Museum, the National Slate Museum and the National Waterfront Museum.

 

Entry to all seven national museum is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Government.

 

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