Bristol Raids Re-enactment

Watch stalwart Bristolians fend off the redcoats’ Bristol Raids in reenactments of events that happened in 1775 and 1778.

The Bristol Historical & Preservaation Society is sponsoring a four-day event that includes re-enactments of the Bristol Raids. They feature the bombing of Bristol at 10 a.m. and then the burning of Bristol at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 17.  Meanwhile, free tours of the Bristol Train of Artillery Armory will be offered from 1-5 p.m.

The Bristol Raids

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. They burned about 30 buildings along the way.

Both of these events will be brought to life by Bristol’s very own Bristol Train of Atillery and the United Train of Artillery, Kingston Reds, HM Tenth Regiment of Foot in America, 54th Regiment of Foot and the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment.

The Bristol Raids were a series of attacks known as the Mount Hope Raids. This map shows the communities raided by the British.

Other Events

The rest of the events at the Herreshoff Museum center on the tall ship Oliver Hazard Perry. A listing of the events follows:

On Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m., a descendant of Cmdr. Oliver Hazard Perry will present a lecture on his famous ancestor.

Then on May 16, the Oliver Hazard Perry will leave Bristol for Newport at 3 p.m., returning by 7 p.m. A welcome reception with food, drinks and music will greet the tall ship. (For tickets, click here.)

In addition to the re-enactment of the Bristol Raids, the following will also take place on Saturday, May 17:

• 8 a.m. Coffee with the Captain and Private Tour of Ship. $$
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Public Tours of the Oliver Hazard Perry $$
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Bristol Train of Artillery Craft Fair.
• 1 to 5 p.m.: Bristol Train of Artillery Arrmory Tours. Free.
• 1 to 7 p.m.: Clamcakes & Chowder at the Bristol Train of Artillery. $$
• 5 to 7 p.m.: Reception and Cider Tasting at the BH&PS. $$

More events are scheduled for Sunday, May 18.

• 8 a.m.: Coffee with the Captain and Private Tour of Ship. $$
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Public Tours of the Oliver Hazard Perry. $$
• 7 to 9 p.m.: Sea Chantey Night with David Coffin and also with the Whelks. $$

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Learn more Revolutionary history in this complete guide to Revolutionary War Sites in New England. Brought to you by the New England Historical Society. Click here to order your copy in paperback, here to order an ebook.