Dunstable's annual history day had a Jacobean theme this year in celebration of the wallpaintings. Approximately 1500 people came to Priory House and Gardens on Saturday 16th May when a host of activities were staged. The event was organised by the Friends of Priory House and Gardens in conjunction with Dunstable Town Council.
Inside Priory House the exhibition area is dominated by a giant image of King James I with information on the significant occurrences of the era. There was a sweet-making demonstration which included such delicious Jacobean delicacies as marzipan gooseberries laced with cloves and a childrens' drawing activity. A series of well-attended talks took place in the Meeting Room, where the wallpaintings are located, by Ann Ledger, Susie White, Annie Gray and Ed Boreham. These featured clay pipes, 17th century hunting (with reference to the wallpaintings), Jacobean food (a syllabub featuring cream, wine, brandy and fruit was produced for sampling) and, of course, the wallpaintings themselves.
Outside, in Priory Gardens, there was a demonstration of civil war musketry and pike drill by members of the Winchester Regiment re-enactment group. An alchemist kept children fascinated with a series of experiments. A falconry display provided additional excitement and the pet dog of a hurdy-gurdy man caused hilarity by howling (almost in tune) whenever his master's ancient bagpipes were played. Stilt walkers dressed as the Three Musketeers patrolled the meadow, where a number of Jacobean arts and crafts were demonstrated by members of the Hungerford Household and Passamezzo re-enactment groups. A local youth group presented excerpts from Shakespearean plays on an outdoor stage and children could practice maypole dancing or solve puzzles in a maze made from bales of straw. Dunstable Local History Society provided an exhibition which featured life in Jacobean times.
The event was greatly enjoyed by the performers and audience alike and provided a fitting finale to the Heritage Lottery Fund part of the wallpainting project.
