English corsair, Sir Francis Drake, and his raiders return to St. Augustine for an authentic re-creation of the 1586 sack of the city, on Saturday, May 11 from 10 AM to 5 PM. Join Drake, his privateer raiders, the Spanish militia, and citizens for the 16th-century-style military and civilian encampment at the Oldest House Museum Complex located at 14 Saint Francis Street. There will be military drills, demonstrations, and living history interpretations throughout the day. Entrance to the encampment will be free and open to the ... view more »
English corsair, Sir Francis Drake, and his raiders return to St. Augustine for an authentic re-creation of the 1586 sack of the city, on Saturday, May 11 from 10 AM to 5 PM. Join Drake, his privateer raiders, the Spanish militia, and citizens for the 16th-century-style military and civilian encampment at the Oldest House Museum Complex located at 14 Saint Francis Street. There will be military drills, demonstrations, and living history interpretations throughout the day. Entrance to the encampment will be free and open to the public.
The historically accurate reenactment of the sacking and burning of the town will commence Saturday evening May 11th at 7:00 PM in the old city, beginning in the area of the Governor’s House Museum. Drake’s men come ashore and a battle breaks out with the Spanish Saldados. The Spanish Saldados and the St. Augustine citizens flee with Drake’s men in pursuit. Skirmishes continue north on St. George Street towards the field across from Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Deli on Orange St. Here, Drake’s Raid will be narrated to give the viewing public historical context. The final battle, with musket and cannon fire, takes place by the Santa Domingo Redoubt near the visitor center and parking garage. This military display is intended to symbolically commemorate the temporary retreat from the city of St. Augustine by Spanish colonial forces.
After the town was looted and burned by Drake’s men, the Spanish returned to rebuild upon the same streets you walk on today! This event is brought to you free of charge by the Historic Florida Militia and the Men of Menendez along with our partners The Saint Augustine Historical Society and the St. Johns Cultural Council.
This year’s Drakes Raid event will be part of the third annual Saint Augustine History Festival. This Festival, the brainchild of the University of Florida Historic St. Augustine, will start on May 8th and end on May 12th. Special events will be held all around town. Just some of the participants in the festival are, the City of St. Augustine, Flagler College, the St. Augustine Historic Society, the Lighthouse, the Colonial Quarter, the Fountain of Youth, and Fort Mose to name a few. Each venue will hold its own unique event.
Additional information can be found at http://hfm.club
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