Bexhill to host Battle of Waterloo commemoration

Manor Barn, on De La Warr Road, will host a day of activities to remember the heroic actions of the King’s German Legion and Duke of Wellington to defeat Napoleon in the famous battle on June 18, 1815.

The King’s German Legion had infantry barracks in Bexhill at the time, and was a central part of local society from 1804 until 1815.

During the battle, their wives from Bexhill waited anxiously in the town, fearing the outcome.

The historic event will be remembered on Saturday, June 20, between midday and 6pm in Bexhill Old Town.

Hands on History will be present to offer a living history experience with military equipment and uniforms.

There will also be an exhibition of military equipment and a model of the battlefield available to view throughout the day.

The events will kick off with a traditional soldier’s lunch at midday, followed by a slideshow detailing the story of Bexhill and the King’s German Legion.

There will then be a recreation of the formal opening ceremony by the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon Bonaparte.

After cake and tea, a DVD depicting the approach to Waterloo will be screened, followed by a concert from professional musicians The New Scorpion Band.

Guests will then be treated to a play featuring the story of the King’s German Legion in Bexhill between 1804 and 1814 and the King’s German Legion in Waterloo.

There will also be part two of the DVD screening depicting the actual battle.

Waterloo Day is organised by the Bexhill Hanoverian Study Group.

Manor Barn is sponsored by the Bexhill Old Town Preservation Society; visit their exhibition at nearby Barrack Hall.

Admission to Manor Barn is free on June 20 and there is entertainment suitable to all ages.

If anybody wishes to play a part in the dramatic performance, there is an information session and audition on Friday, May 22, between 5pm and 8pm.

Contact John Dear on [email protected] for more information.

A full timetable of events is available on www.bexhillhanoveriankgl.co.uk.