“The Eve of Trafalgar”was a weekend of re-enactments, living history displays and exhibitions marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
Northumberland has close associations with the Battle. Admiral Lord Collingwood took command of the Fleet when Nelson fell mortally wounded, and Alexander Davison was Nelson's close friend and treasurer. Both men held estates in north Northumberland, not far from Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Berwick's well-preserved Georgian period townscape was brought to life as dozens of costumed re-enactors staged military drill, musket firing demonstrations, an authentic period tented encampment and scenes depicting the daily lives of soldiers, sailors and civilians of the time.
Members of the Maltings Youth Theatre presented scenes in the Old Gaol in the Town Hall, depicting a criminal trial of the period and families were invited to join the “charity school children” playing games of the time, dodge the naval press gang or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the town’s streets.
