Worcester Commandery: Civil war attraction planned for city

The Commandery is Grade I listed

A historical building in Worcester could become a national visitor attraction if £260,000 plans are approved, according to the city council.

The Commandery, which was the Royalist Headquarters during the final battle of the English Civil War, is now a city museum.

The authority wants the building to highlight Worcester's role in the war.

It has recommended councillors approve the funding.

If given the go-ahead, it said the Grade I listed building would become the home of a new Battle of Worcester visitor experience, as well as film projections which would talk about the building's history.

A battle royal

• The Battle of Worcester took place in September 1651

• It was the final battle of the English Civil War

• Charles II and his Royalist forces were defeated by Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians

There would also be an interactive display telling the story of the visit to Worcester of US Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

Lucy Hodgson, council member for heritage, said the Commandery was a, "beautiful, historic building".

"We are now at the point where we can realise our ambitions to focus new displays and interpretation in the building on Worcester's Civil War story and our unique place in history.

"You can't beat the experience of visiting a place where history literally happened and that's what we want visitors to feel when they visit The Commandery."

The council will decide whether to back the plans at a meeting on 28 July.

If approved, the visitor experience is expected to be in place by summer 2016.

The building will remain open to visitors throughout the developments.