MAY 2010
Cowdray Heritage Trust will take its visitors back in time to the middle of the 18 th Century next weekend for two days of skirmishes, warfare, camping and domesticity.
Re-enactment group New France Old England will bring Cowdray Ruins alive with their interpretation of life in 1750’s North America. Their members, men, women and children from all over the UK, recreate the reality of colonial America set against the backdrop of the French and Indian War. It is a time familiar to everyone who has grown up with the much-loved book “The Last of the Mohicans” by James Fenimore Cooper. A wide range of military units and civilian characters are portrayed – British, French, and Native Americans – as they would have appeared in mid-18 th century North America, when Britain and France battled for control of the continent.
“It is an exciting moment in the story of the Western world,” says Ian Castle, spokesman for New France Old England and published author. “For seven years, England and France battled over the continent, and no-one knew whether the French or English would win the day. It could have turned out very differently – had the English been defeated, the French language would now dominate the USA and indeed the world.”
Cowdray Heritage Trust welcomes the return of New France Old England, following their successful debut at the Ruins last year. “Midhurst needs more events and more fun, especially now it sits within the South Downs National Park,” says Operations Manager Heather Ongley. “We aim to contribute by bringing authentic and high quality historical events to the town. New France Old England performs one of the best shows of this type in the country.”
NOVEMBER 2009
Another good year for historic Cowdray
Cowdray Heritage Trust has finished another successful season with its best year ever, and is looking forward to even better things next year.
During the 2009 season, the site welcomed over 9200 visitors, including 39 adult groups, 30 school groups, two children’s birthday parties and two Brownie and Beaver groups, in addition to the general day visitors. This represents an increase of 1500 visitors or 19.5% on 2008 totals.
The Operations Manager, Heather Ongley, also gave ten talks about the history of Cowdray to local community groups. “Talks are an area for growth in the future,” she said. “We want everyone to share the passion we have for Cowdray’s 500 years of fascinating history. People are excited by the wealth of historical connections, to monarchs – Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Elizabeth I – and events – the sinking of the Mary Rose and Guy Fawkes’ part in the Gunpowder Plot. Then there is the story of the Curse of Cowdray, predicting the final devastating fire and the demise of the Viscounts Montague!”
Trustees added: “The informative talk for local people and site tours for visitors help make Cowdray an important player in the local community, as well as a regional heritage attraction. We are proud of what the Trust has achieved so far, and want to continue the good work in the years to come.
“Our challenge for 2010 onwards is to build on the hard work and all-year-round commitment of Heather and her faithful team of 45 enthusiastic volunteers by establishing a sustainable financial platform for the Trust. We thank the site team for the excellent progress they have made in increasing visitor numbers and bringing in much needed income from tickets, gift shop sales and special events.”
The gift shop at Cowdray Visitor Centre will be open for Christmas shopping on Saturdays 5 th, 12 th and 19 th December, from 10.30am to 3pm, with free refreshments and Elizabethan chutney tasting. Plans are well under way for the 2010 season, with more picnic theatre shows, family fun days and historical re-enactments scheduled. Help with events and day to day operation of this beautiful Tudor mansion is always needed, and new volunteers are very welcome.
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