fairfax battalia - grenguards

On Saturday 26 October 2002, to mark the granting of the freedom of the city and the Queen's Jubilee, the Grenadier Guards Association marched through Worcester and planted an oak tree in the outer garden of the Commandery museum. The Grenadiers trace their origin to a regiment of guards created by Charles II whilst in exile and so have a link to the Civil War history of Worcester - where Charles II was both proclaimed King of England and subsequently defeated by Cromwell's army in 1651.

The Fairfax Battalia was pleased to be invited to form a guard of honour for the occasion and provided a drummer for the march through the city.

Visit the Grenadier Guards Association web site.

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The Grenadier Guards Association marched through the city, escorted by the mayor and city officials, and a drummer from the Fairfax Battalia
The drummer had to adjust the normal 17th century marching beat to the faster modern beat.
The march enters the Commandery garden to a salute from the Fairfax Battalia
A serving Guardsman marshals the parade. The ceremonial red uniform of the Guards has its origin in the red-coated soldiers of the New Model Army - but they were slightly more scruffy in the 17th century!!!
There was a brief service
The Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Robert Rowden, reminded the assembly of the Civil War links between Worcester and the Guards, watched by Lord Sandys - descendant of the Royalist leader of Worcestershire during the Civil Wars.
The Mayor and Lord Sandys plant the oak tree to commemorate the Grenadier Guards Association receiving the freedom of the city and the Queen's Jubilee
The Fairfax Battalia gave a General Salute as a mark of respect to the members of the Association as they entered the Commandery at the close of the ceremony
The new CO of the Fairfax Battalia, Simon Frame, is thanked by the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Robert Rowden, for their part in the proceedings