With the 400th anniversary of Oliver Cromwell's birth in April and the 350th Anniversary of the Execution of Charles I in January, 1999 is going to be a busy year with more than enough going on to keep you amused at the weekends.

All the events listed here are taken from the pamphlet released by The Cromwell Museum on behalf of the Cromwell Quartercentenary Commission. For more information including specific events etc where they are mentioned please feel free to give them a call on 0 1480-375830 or visit their website www.cromwell.argonet.co.uk

The Cromwell Association are running an essay competition as part of the celebration on any aspect of Oliver Cromwells life with a £ 250 prize for the winner. Please contact the Association for more information. The Cromwell Museum are releasing a wide range of souvenirs for the celebrations including an interactive CDROM aimed at 9-14 year olds. For more details and a price list contact the Cromwell Museum.

As well as specific events, there will be many exhibitions running throughout the year. Not all places listed here have special events planned in 1999 but will still be of interest to the Civil War enthusiast. To save space we have listed telephone numbers only. Only places open betwen now and March are listed we will have more next issue.

This list covers specific events up to the end of March. April is when things step up a gear and we'll cover that next issue.

Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, Isle of Wight 01938-522107 King Charles I prison, the Museum contains a range of Charles I memorabilia. English Heritage.

The Commandery Civil War Centre, Worcester 01905-355071 Final battle of Civil War fought here in 1651, made headquar ters by Charles II. Numerous permanent displays including Trial of Charles I. Events later.

Dover Castle, Kent 01304-211067 The 'key of England', Charles I new Queen, Henrietta Maria's reception point and an important strategic location during the war. English Heritage.

Goodrich Castle, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire 01600 890538 Site of famous seige involving the use of 'Roaring Meg' a mortar launching 200 pound shot. Seige of Goodrich fe-enactment later in the year. Watch this space. English Heritage.

Oliver Cromwell's House, Ely, Cambridgeshire 01353662062 The home of Oliver Cromwell and his family from 1636-1646 Eight period rooms contain sets and exhibitions on Cromwell and the draining of the fens. There are clothes and armour to try on as well. Events for 1999 aren't known at this time, phone the Ely Tourist Information Centre (same as house) for info.

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Cornwall 01326-316594 Royalist stronghold beseiged for 5 months till disease and hunger forced honourable surrender, last refuge of Queen Henrietta Maria before fleeing to France and Charles II depar ture point for Scilly Isles. English Heritage.

Sherborne Old Castle, Dorset 01935-812730 Royalist garrison described by Cromwell as 'malicious and mis chievous' fell to Roundhead forces in 1645. English Heritage.

Stamford Museum, Lincolnshire 01780-480363 Local history. See Events Calender

Torrington Castle, N Devon 01805-622442 Living history brings to life the 17th century. See Events Calender. English Sites of Interest in London

Carlyle's House 0171-3527087 Historian Thomas Carlyle extensively studied Oliver Cromwells writings. National Trust

Museum of London 0171-6003699 One of the largest collections of Cromwell items including rare manuscripts, literature, medals, his bible coffin plate and funer al mask, many never displayed before will be shown in a spe cial exhibition in 1999. See Events Calender.

National Army Museum 0171-7300717 Permanent Civil War exhibition displaying uniforms, weapons, paintings, life size models and reconstructions. Events later in the year.

The Jewish Museum 0171-2841997 Permanent display depicting the negotiations between Cromwell and Menasseh ben Israel leading to the 1656 Resettlement . Events later in the year.

The Tower of London 0171-7090765 Parliamentary stronghold after it was seized from the King in 1643, first permanent garrison installed here by Cromwell.

Events later in the Year

Sites of Interest in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire For more information on Anniversary events in Huntingdon throughout 1999 contact Viv Peters on 01480-388057 email: vpeters@hutsde.gov.uk

All Saints Church 01480-453230 Strong connections with the Cromwell family, contains Cromwells alleged baptismal font. Events later.

Cromwell Museum 01480-375830 Sited in former grammar school where Cromwell was educated. Permanent extensive displays of possessions, portraits, docu ments and militaria many passed down by his family. See

Events Calendar

Event Calendar Jan - March 1999

8 Jan - 28 Feb Museum of London Cromwell-Warts and All. Exhibition

12 Jan - 28 March Cromwell Museum, Huntingdon Statues and Stained Glass. Cromwell representations up to the modern day

30 Jan Mumford Theatre, Anglia Polytechnic, Cambridge 01223-363271/2054 email: J.K.Forbes@anglia.ac.uk The Trial of Charles I, A Debate. Conference includes reenactments by the Sealed Knot, lectures and discussions.

10 Feb Museum of London The English Civil War and Interregnum. Sixth form conference.

13 Feb Museum of London Cromwell - Revered and Reviled. Conference. Topics covered include Civil War London, Cromwell's Funeral, Execution of Charles I and Tangye Collection as well as general Civil War.

19 Feb Museum of London Cromwell 1599 - 1999. Lunchtime lecture.

6 - 7 March The Commandery, Worcester Music and Dancing. Carolus Terpsichore recreate 17th

Century frivolity. Audience participation welcome.

13 March - 3 July Stamford Museum Cromwell and Stamford. Temporary exhibition covers the links Stamford has with Cromwell and Parliament.

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