| His Gracious Majesty King Charles the First rules in this the year of our Lord 1638.
King Charles I is on the throne and Parliament has not been called for 9 years. England is under Sovereign Rule. The King needs money but without parliament he can not create new taxes for the people. What can he do except levy taxes that were once lawfully made? He reintroduces Ship Money once again, but this very old tax was only meant for those that lived on the coast to help build ships in times of war. Many of his people violently protest, including local peer John Hampden. Now the cracks in His Majesty’s peaceful world are beginning to show as the storm clouds start gather over the Kingdom.
As our small village prepares for a harvest festival, with good food, corn dolly making and a village fayre; a pamphleteer hands out pamphlets, calling the locals to rise up against the unjust taxes. The county sheriff and militia start to fear a riot while the Court Leet is in session. John Hampden, who has recently been in court against the Crown over his refusal to pay the Ship Money, is making his feelings known. Come and meet the characters, sights and sounds of 17th Century England just before it tipped into the anarchy of Civil War. You may also meet the young George Fleetwood, owner of the Vache Estate in Chalfont St. Giles, which includes the village you are visiting today.
Will you join in the protests about Ship Money or will you quietly pay your due to the King’s tax man?
The village is open from 10.30 am until 5.00 pm each day.
All activities will take place on Sunday and Monday, but some activities are not available on Saturday.
www.17thcenturylifeandtimes.com
Normal Museum admission prices apply.
In addition, all the Museum's buildings will be open to visitors |