Reliving war at Wrest Park

From the Tommies in the trenches in World War One to the troopers taking part in World War two D-Day landings, the event will draw spectators into the theatre of war from all quarters of the historic estate.

Re-enactments, displays and interactive activities will show what life would have been like, both on the front and at home.

Throughout the day troops, spies and backroom staff will be awaiting orders from Churchill in Whitehall – how the plot unfolds will remain a secret until news breaks and everyone comes together in true wartime spirit.

Young visitors can fall into step at soldiers’ school, learning all about trench life and how to dress as a Tommy as well as going on an assault course and taking part in drills.

For the less energetic, there’s a chance to stroll through living history encampments or watch performances designed to entertain the troops.

Recent research has revealed that Wrest Park was almost certainly the first country house to take in convalescing soldiers during World War One, before becoming a hospital.

On September 8, 1914, the Manchester Courier reported that a party of 66 British soldiers would be cared for at ‘Wrest, the mansion near Luton, which Lord Lucas has placed at the disposal of the War Office.”

Wrest at War takes place at Wrest Park from 10am to 6pm on Sunday and Monday, May 25 and 26.

> For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/events or call 0870 333 1183.