Photo: Chris Behan
The Manor House and Gardens were looking at their very best in bright sunshine for the annual USA Independence Day celebrations. A large crowd of visitors were entertained by a Living History Camp and Battle re-enactment of a skirmish between French and English Army Units in the Ohio Valley in 1754, the latter being commanded by Lt Col George Washington, whose ancestors lived at Sulgrave Manor in Tudor times. Music from the classic era of swing was provided by the Great Central Big Band and the Brackley Wind Ensemble played favourite melodies from the Great War. In addition to the Washington Family History exhibition always on display at the Manor, colourful Native American artefacts of all kinds were to be seen in the Buttery. Representatives of American and British Scout Troops were present throughout the day. Visitors enjoyed a variety of traditional refreshments from both sides of the Atlantic. The celebrations concluded with the ceremonial lowering of the flags of the two nations by the Honour Guard from USAF 501 Com Wing at nearby Croughton, as can be seen in the above picture. More pictures of this ceremony and the other events, with videos, can be seen on the next page.
Appropriately dressed for the occasion, Cymon Snow welcomes the visitors.
Chris Filby sings Ella Fitzgerald songs backed by the Great Central Big Band.
Click here to listen to the band playing the classic swing number “American Patrol”.
Soldiers and camp followers at rest before parading for the “Skirmish in the Orchard”.
The soldiers parade to demonstrate loading and firing their flintlock rifles.
Photo: Chris Behan
A traditional game for 18th century off duty soldiers.
Afternoon musical entertainment by the Brackley Wind Ensemble.
French soldiers relax in the Ohio Valley…..
Photo: Chris Behan
….unaware that British soldiers are closing in!
Photo: Chris Behan
Battle commences.
Photo: Chris Behan
Native American tribesman with the British forces.
Photo: Chris Behan
Photo: Chris Behan
Click here to see a short video of the “Skirmish in the Orchard”.
Arrival of the USAF Honour Guard for the Flag Ceremony.
French and British soldiers present arms….
….and the visitors watch in respectful silence.
Photo: Chris Behan
See Independence Day celebrations at the Manor in previous years: