The Villagers

About

The Museum stands near one of the most important Welsh battlefields of the British Civil War, where 11,000 soldiers met in the bloody ‘Battle of St Fagans’. Cardiff will once again hear the sounds of soldiers preparing for battle as a garrison from the English Civil War society comes to town!

Civilians including surgeons, cider-makers, weavers and craftspeople will also be on hand to give you an insight into ordinary people’s lives in this landmark event. In 1648 the forces of parliament sent troops to crush the Royalist uprising in South Wales, fear and suspicion were widespread, families were divided and uncertainty about the future meant that the people of the region had to decide their allegence - King or Parliament?

Throughout the weekend various skills, trades and crafts can be seen on the military camp. You'll be able to see various needle crafts, lace making, a herbalist display, brewing, basketry, midwifery along with other interesting facets of every day life in the 17th century. Visit the barber surgeon or the apothecary to have any ailments treated and see how cheese and butter were traditionally made.

On the military encampment the soldiers will be gathering for the coming storm. The troops will be happy to show you how the firearms of the period worked - try your strength at handling a 16 foot pike, and ask the cannon crew about "gunner's grin"! In the make-shift field kitchen, watch the cooks prepare food for the soldiers and civilians over open fires and contrast the food of the gentry with the common man - stay a while and view the formal dining of the commissioned officers at dinner time.

Come along to the Museum to see history come alive.