The Commandery

The Commandery has exciting stories to tell you about, power, greed, war, wealth, romance, death, society and industry. Step back in time to catch a glimpse of the lively characters that have inhabited this ancient building during the past seven centuries.

Using audio interpretation and on site interpreters, The Commandery's long hidden history comes vividly to life, allowing you to explore 6 chosen periods, enjoying the characters and the atmosphere of the buildings colourful past.

The new Worcester Civil War Story is a new permanent exhibition that sweeps visitors back over 350 years into a murky, conflicted 17th century Worcester of fiery debates, the smell of gunpowder and dank city streets.

Worcester is the city where the English Civil War began and ended, from the initial skirmish at Powick in 1642 to the final clash between Royalists and Parliamentarians in the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Extravagant murals conjure up a world of Royalist decadence, with original objects on display and portraits of fascinating 17th century characters.

There are opportunities to master the Parliamentarians' tactical techniques on a battlefield strategy interactive, uncover stories of families torn apart by war and come face to face with the death mask of Oliver Cromwell.

The Presidents' Rooms bring to life an 18th century Georgian parlour, in memory of the important visit in 1786 of senators John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to Worcester's Fort Royal Hill. Such is the importance of Worcester's story, that the future second and third Presidents of the US stood overlooking The Commandery and proclaimed that "this is holy ground, much holier than that on which your churches stand. All England should come in Pilgrimage to this Hill, once a Year."

Civil War City trails will take visitors further afield to discover the final resting place of the Duke of Hamilton in Worcester Cathedral, the musket ball marks on Powick Church and more Civil War stories that have left their marks across the city.