Future first US president George Washington as a young officer in the British Army during the French and Indian War 1754 to 1763 (Re-enactment of a skirmish in the Manor orchard)
Saturday July 5th provided glorious summer weather for United States of America Independence Day (nominally July 4th) celebrating the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776. Highlights included a parade of British and French soldiers in mid-eighteenth century uniforms with frontiersmen and native Americans in war paint. This was followed by the re-enactment of a skirmish between these soldiers in 1754, said to be the young George Washington’s first taste of action, whilst still a British officer. The sound of musket fire was later replaced with the characteristic roar of Harley Davidson motor cycles ridden into the courtyard by members of the HOG (Harley Owners Groups) Lakenheath and Nene Valley Chapters. Cheerleaders from the Danielle Buick Academy of Theatre Arts performed on the front lawn, which was also the venue for a variety of Tudor children’s games. The Forge area featured activities by Boy Scouts of America and Scouts and Guides from the UK. Long queues formed in the courtyard for burgers and hot dogs from the American style barbecue, entertained by live music from “Acoustic Journey”. The usual tours of the house were available and a very fine exhibition of Native American artefacts was to be found in the Brew House.
Photographs of all these events on the following pages.
British Soldiers (redcoats) and their Native American allies
French soldiers
Load……
….aim….
…fire!
A very proud redcoat!
Arrival of the first Harley-Davidson
Live entertainment by “Acoustic Journey”
A birthday celebration at the Manor
The international Scouts and Guides corner by the Forge
Cheerleaders perform on the front lawn
Spectators gather for the re-enactment of the French/English/Native American skirmish
A small detachment of French troops is cornered by the British and their Native American allies
The British commander takes aim
The British advance
After hand to hand fighting the French surrender…
…and the British give thanks with a rousing rendition of “God Save the King”!
A very fine exhibition of Native American clothing and other artefacts
