This summer travel back in time to meet the characters who lived and breathed the English Civil war as part of ‘Meet the Cromwells’ in Ely.

Visitors to Oliver Cromwell’s House on Tuesdays throughout July and August can be part of two special exhibits.

The first is Mrs Cromwell’s Summer Blooms. For Mrs Cromwell has been busy gardening throughout the spring, so this summer she has a wide range of flowers to put to a range of different uses. Visitors will not only be able to taste some of her floral recipes and find out what a Tussie Mussie is, they will also be able to hear of all the other uses which Mrs Cromwell found for flowers.

‘A Chink in the Armour’ – is another interactive attraction at the House where people will be able to meet one of Cromwell’s New Model Army soldiers. He will then tell tales of fighting on the battlefield and explain the weapons he used and how his armour protected him. Visitors will also be able to try on replica helmets and see how they might have helped or hindered in battle.

‘Meet the Cromwells’ will take place between 11am - 1pm every Tuesday during the school holidays and there is no need to book. The cost of adults tickets is £4.60 while concession are £4.10 - children are free of charge but there is a maximum of three children per paying adult. The event is also free event for Resident Pass holders.

Tracey Harding, Tourism & Town Centres Team Leader at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "Oliver Cromwell’s House comes alive in the summer as families come to learn about the lives people led in the 17th century. It was a fascinating time in the nation’s history as the very fabric of the state was questioned, challenged and ultimately overthrown. Things changed at a rapid pace and families and friendships were torn apart as people made choices which were to echo throughout history. So come along to our special Tuesdays and see the past come to life."

For more information please contact the Tourist Information Centre at Oliver Cromwell’s House on 01353 662062 or via www.visitely.org.uk.