The Priory in the Past event – Bringing History to Life
The recent Priory in the Past festival was a huge success attracting 663 visitors to the Warwickshire County Record Office building and grounds in Priory Park, Warwick.
There was a lovely atmosphere throughout the afternoon with visitors from all over Warwickshire attending. Visitors reported that the variety of activities from brass rubbings and Victorian magic skills to family shield making was fantastic.
The Crimean War soldiers attracted many of the families with young children practising ‘drill’, whilst the Gents on Penny Farthings and the stiltwalking Monk caused a real stir!
The crowd mingled with members of the Wise and Waller families from over 200 years ago, courtesy of actors from the Warwick Phoenix Players.
The aim of the event was to celebrate the Waller Collection that is now permanently housed at the Warwickshire County Record Office as well as to demonstrate exactly how much fun can be had when researching local and family history.
Head of Service, Caroline Sampson said: "The staff at the Record Office have all worked hard to provide this fantastic event and we are so grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for giving us this opportunity to share local history in Warwickshire in such a fun and innovative way".