Events

Discover more about military history through the ages as it is brought to life by Kentwell’s expert living historians.  This interesting event illustrates the everyday lives of those involved with conflict and the lives  of those on the home front, over several periods of history.

The House itself will not be open – the history will be spread out among our 30 acres of gardens and grounds, in separate ‘time bubbles’.  Kentwell’s Gardens are extensive and provide quiet space for comfortable relaxation in beautiful surroundings.  Visitors should have little problem in keeping socially distant from others!

The event this year will be different in format from our previous War Weekends, due to current restrictions and regulations.  However, the Ministry for Information can confirm that it will still be an interesting and informative day out for the whole family! 

This year, we have Vikings, Tudor Archers, a Regency Recruiting Party and attendant surgeon, an Edwardian hospital, WWI Army, 1919 Hospital Supplies ladies, WWII Home Guard and Suffolk Regiment and the 1960s Peace Camp, all spread out around the gardens and grounds for you to enjoy.

Our Visit the Vulcan Day on Fathers’ Day gives you the opportunity to walk around and underneath the Vulcan’s huge delta wings and see examples of the weapons it carried, including two 1,000 lb High Explosive bombs, the type of bomb the Vulcan dropped on Port Stanley airfield during the 1982 Falklands Conflict.

As well as the Vulcan, there will be plenty more to see and do. The 10th Essex Living History Group with be displaying its Neuiport 20 replica First World War biplane and the Norfolk WW1 re-enactment group will be in attendance with its replica DH.2 biplane. The Shoeburyness & South Essex Royal Artillery Association’s is bringing along its Landrover and 25 pound gun.

The Essex Yeomanry Band will be playing a selection of music during the day and Marvel’s Captain America and Iron Man will be on site to deal with any troublemakers!

You can also hear what it was like to be a Vulcan captain as Squadron Leader Joe Marsden is returning to give his more of his popular ‘Flying the Vulcan’ talks.

Refreshments will be on sale and our souvenir stand will be selling a selection of Vulcan memorabilia, including models, badges, patches, postcards, books, and much more.

Admission will be by advance ticket only for timed ‘slots’ during the day. This is so we can comply with the Government’s social distancing requirements by limiting the number of visitors we have at the event at any one time. There will be no tickets on sale on the day.

Once again we shall be at Military Odyssey with another of our interactive scenarios. However, this year might be different with the potential requirement to be COVID-19 secure and the need to ensure that social distancing rules are applied.

Nethertheless expect the unexpected from us as we shall bring one particular part of the Great War to life. Those of you who have visited us before will know that you will get an experience never found elsewhere, if you haven’t visited us then why not?

Traditionally held annually on the second weekend in May, the 2021 event will be held on 18-19 September 2021 at the uniquely atmospheric Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Braintree, Essex CM77 8PD. The decision to move the date of the 2021 show is to address the challenging events of 2020/21 due to COVID 19 and meet the fantastic demand we have received.

Temple at War showcases the very best military re-enactment, fantastic vehicles and ever increasingly popular vintage scene. We first opened our doors in 2015 to an expectant crowd and we are thrilled to say that the high quality event has grown substantially, gaining an outstanding reputation as one of the best Military events to attend. Indeed, September 2021 will be the very first outing for many new attractions and exhibitions within our displays as our groups pull out all the stops to give you the best vintage military experience you could wish for.

Over 900 authentic re-enactors will gather over the September weekend, portraying characters, scenes and displays from WW1 to present day. From arrival, right through the 2 day event you will be welcomed to join in a truly outstandingly and brilliantly interactive historical experience that you, your family, and your friends can encounter. Once bitten by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Temple at War, it truly is a lifetime event that you will want to return to every year and many many do!!

Billericay’s war memorial was unveiled on 16 October 1921 (100 years ago), listing the names of the 62 men from the town who lost their lives during the First World War. Sadly this of course wasn’t the end of war, a panel was added behind the memorial following the Second World War, with the names of 54 men who had died in that conflict.

A photo from the original dedication of the memorial is available at https://www.billericayhistory.org.uk/content/topics/place-2/war-memorials/billericay_war_memorial/first_world_war_memorial, and the fathers and mothers of many of the war dead would have turned up in their finery, proud of what their son had sacrificed, but still facing the searing pain of the loss of life.

More details to follow.