The international origins of the United States of America and its links to Yorkshire were explored by visitors to Kiplin Hall and Garden last weekend.
Kiplin Hall is famed for its links to America via its first owner, a local man called George Calvert. From his Yorkshire roots Calvert pursued a career at royal court, earning the title First Baron Baltimore. With interests in colonisation and religious tolerance Calvert set about creating new communities abroad, founding the colony that became the state of Maryland, which today includes the city Baltimore and Calvert County named after the Yorkshireman and his descendants.
On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August visitors to Kiplin Hall were able to experience what life was like during the American Revolution (1765 – 1783) set against the backdrop of the Jacobean Hall. The sights and smells of 18th century cooking at the encampment wafted across the lawns while re-enactors demonstrated cannon and musket fire in replica military uniforms of the period. Visitors enjoyed meeting “loyalists” fighting to remain under British rule, and “patriots” who desired independence.
Director James Etherington said,
“We are delighted to host re-enactment events of this sort. Last year visitors discovered what life was like in 1625, when Kiplin Hall was built. This year, in line with the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, we took visitors back to 1776. Re-enactors help us to bring our historic spaces to life in a very real way. Creating conversations with visitors about areas they are interested in. From how ladies of the period dressed to the bangs of the big guns, the weekend brought the past to life for over 600 visitors. We look forward to revealing the period for next year’s re-enactment in the spring!”
During the American Revolution 13 American British colonies rejected imperial rule and fought for their independence. Considered by some to be rebels and revolutionaries at the time, they formed the United States of America. Independence Day is celebrated in the USA on the 4th of July each year, remembering the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, 250 years ago. It is important to remember that Native American people lived in North America long before European colonies were formed. Around 2% of the population of the USA (around 6.6 million people) identify as Native American today.
Find out more at www.kiplinhall.co.uk. Kiplin Hall and Gardens is open 6 days a week, closed on Thursdays.
