250th Anniversary 'Brits Attack Bristol' Events

The British are coming to town!

Watch Stalwart Bristolians fend off the brits in a series of reenactments of events that happened in 1775 and 1778. Watch Stalwart Bristolians fend off the Brits in a series of reenactments of events that happened in 1775 and 1778.

During the American Revolution, the British bombed Bristol in 1775. Then in 1778, they came back and, after landing on the shore up on Bristol Neck, marched through town, burning about 30 buildings along the way.

Along with Bristol's very own Bristol Train of Artillery, the United Train of Artillery, Kingston Reds, HM Tenth Regiment of Foot in America, 54th Regiment of Foot, and the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment (photo below), will all be on hand to bring both events to life. 

Free and Open to the Public.

Reenactments: When & Where?

Saturday, May 17

10:00 - 10:30 AM: Dockside at the Herreshoff Marine Museum

& 1:00 – 2:00 PM: East Bay Bike Path and Independence Park (Thames Street)

Events: MAY 16, 17 & 18 (See location details on the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society website). 

MAY 15

6:30 PM: Lecture. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

MAY 16

3:00  to 7:00 PM: SAIL. Leave Bristol for Newport @ 3 PM for the Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry Historic Education Program Sail. $$

7:00 to 9:00 PM: Welcome Reception for the Oliver Hazard Perry. Food, drinks, and music by StrangeBrew. $$

MAY 17

8:00 AM: Coffee with the Captain and Private Tour of Ship. $$

10:00 AM: Reenactment of the Bombardment of Bristol. Free.

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM: Public Tours of the Oliver Hazard Perry $$

11:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Bristol Train of Artillery Craft Fair.

1:00 PM: Reenactment of the Burning of Bristol. Free. 

1:00 to 5:00 PM: Bristol Train of Artillery Arrmory Tours.

1:00 to 7:00 PM: Clamcakes & Chowder at the Bristol Train of Artillery. $$

5:00 to 7:00 PM: Reception and Cider Tasting at the BH&PS. $$

MAY 18

8:00 AM: Coffee with the Captain and Private Tour of Ship. $$

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM: Public Tours of the Oliver Hazard Perry. $$

7:00 to 9:00 PM: Sea Chantey Night with David Coffin and also with the Whelks. $$