NEWBURY TOWN HALL OPENS ITS DOORS FOR A DAY OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Newbury Town Hall welcomed a host of visitors on Saturday 19 September for a celebration of the town’s rich history, with Heritage Open Days and a dramatic historical re-enactment bringing the past to life.
Newbury Town Council opened the doors of its historic Town Hall as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days celebration, giving residents and visitors a free opportunity to explore the building and discover its fascinating history.
Visitors enjoyed rare access to the historic Council Chamber, Grand Civic Staircase and impressive collection of civic regalia, including the Mayoral Honours Boards, ceremonial maces and historic portraits. They also discovered more about Newbury’s industrial heritage and the stories behind some of the Town Hall’s treasured features.
The day’s celebrations continued at noon, when large crowds gathered outside the Town Hall to witness a dramatic re-enactment of King Charles I’s return to Newbury in 1643, on the eve of the First Battle of Newbury.
The Mayor, Town Crier and costumed re-enactors from the Marquess of Winchester Regiment ECWS and Essex Regiment brought this fascinating moment in history to life, recreating a tense encounter between Parliament troops and the Mayor, culminating in a Royalist officer ordering their arrest.
The Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Jo Day, said, “It was wonderful to welcome so many visitors to the Town Hall and see such enthusiasm for Newbury’s history. The combination of Heritage Open Days and the historical re-enactment created a fantastic opportunity for people to explore our heritage and experience a fascinating moment from the town’s past.”
Visitors were enthusiastic about the opportunity to explore the Town Hall and experience Newbury’s history, describing it as an “Amazing place!” and praising the “Really lovely re-enactment outside”.
One visitor commented, “It’s genuinely incredible to have this sort of history so accessible – huge thanks to everyone.”
Others enjoyed discovering more about the town’s past, with one describing it as an “Interesting Town!”, while another, who moved to Newbury in 1986, said, “Most interesting display of the Town’s history, lots of new discoveries for me, well done!”
The event also proved popular with younger visitors, who particularly enjoyed the opportunity to hold one of the historic ceremonial maces. Alex Hawkins said, “Really interesting and friendly, we loved the chance to hold the mace, thank you!” while Albie Gray added, “The Maces were cool, nice to meet the Mayor”.
Newbury Town Council would like to thank everyone who visited and helped make the day such an enjoyable celebration of Newbury’s history and heritage.
