An afternoon out in Gloucester at the Folk of Gloucester a wonderful historic old building and the venue for the launch of a book about the Siege of Gloucester. One or two fine gentlemen and ladies in period costume made the day. There was a talk by the author but I was a bit late for class and missed that out, taking more interest in a flintlock musket, the sort that would have been used in the siege, when Gloucester’s parliamentarians resisted the surrounding forces of the Royalists. I have some sympathy even now as I’m not much of a Royalist. The flintlock was made by the owner of the weapon, and he’d gone to a lot of trouble to get it exactly right.

The book, which I am gently reading at home, is an account from one family’s point of view of the events at the time in 1643, and is told vey well by local author Jon Eeles. Copies are available from The Folk of Gloucester

A fine head of hair on this Royalist. He looks cheerful enough but they did not break the siege even though they outnumbered greatly those resisting in the City. I wonder who his hairdresser is?

I love this soldiers specs, they look like they would have been of the time. The helmet might have given him some protection but if hit I’m sure he’d get some ringing in his ears.

These two looked great too! Only noticed when looking properly at the photo that one is armed, and probably dangerous. Do not approach anyone in Gloucester who’s armed and in the company of a drummer.

Not part of the Folk collection, this pair were kind enough to let me take their photograph on Westgate just up from the Folk. Claire on the right is a ‘goth’ and is from Gloucester whilst Olly, the giant on the left is from Kent. They seemed to make a suitable comparison with those in the Museum in their costumes.

I’d say that he looks quite like the sort of bloke who would have defended the City from those outrageous Royalists back in 1643.

Great afternoon out and some splendid people. If you get the chance then go and visit the Folk of Gloucester. They also do a fine cup of tea as well as light lunches, just what you need to resist a siege.