ELY is turning back the clock this weekend to mark the 350th anniversary of Oliver Cromwell s death. To mark the occasion on Saturday, September 6, Oliver Cromwell House in Ely is holding a day of activities so that people can learn about what life was l

ELY is turning back the clock this weekend to mark the 350th anniversary of Oliver Cromwell's death.

To mark the occasion on Saturday, September 6, Oliver Cromwell House in Ely is holding a day of activities so that people can learn about what life was like during the English Civil war both in the house and on Palace Green in Ely.

Tracey Harding, tourism team leader at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "Life was a lot different in Oliver Cromwell's time compared to what it is like now. For a start the country was recovering from a savage civil war, which had created many divisions not only between towns but often friends and even families. The way people cooked, spent their time away from work and even the medical help they got was radically different.

"Anyone who comes along on the day will get to experience what life was really like as a band of 17th Century re-enactors will be encouraging members of the public to join in with their dancing, cooking and crafts. One of the highlights of the day will be a visit by 'Oliver Cromwell' and one of his 'Parliamentarian Ironsides' on horseback, who will also be in the arena on Palace Green talking about the 17th Century Warhorse and demonstrating the life of a cavalrymen during the period.

"Oliver Cromwell had a huge effect on all our lives - whether we realise it or not. He introduced greater religious tolerance, reformed complicated law, and more importantly, led Britain through it's one and only time as a republic. While there were many other things he did which many do not agree with, he is undoubtedly a figure who stands out in British history."

Among the activities, which starts at 10am, for the family will be:

* English Civil War drill and musket firing on Palace Green.

* 17th Century dance undertaken by local dance group Capriol Dancers

* An encampment will be erected on Palace Green where amongst the period demonstrations crafts people will be undertaking cloth dying; candle making and a Seventeenth Century forge will also be in operation making ironwork of the period.

Inside Oliver Cromwell House, children will be able to listen to 17th Century stories from a master storyteller; discover about medicine from a period barber surgeon and learn more about Ely in the 17th Century from Cambridgeshire archaeologist Quinton Carroll during the day.

The day will be particular relevant to schools studying the English Civil War and key historical characters in history at Key Stage II (Local Study Units) and Secondary Schools (Kings, Crowns and Parliaments) in the region.