St Augustine Interviews
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One of our favorite special events held every year in St. Augustine is the British Night Watch held the first weekend in December.
You'll find re-enactors everywhere in full costume. It is great fun and educational, too. Living history at it's finest. So be sure to bring the children, they will be fascinated.
Anthea Manny is instrumental in making it happen.
She has been generous with her time which is in short supply this time of year, and agreed to our interview.
Ladies and Gentlemen; Anthea Manny
Hi Anthea, please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Anthea Manny and I reside in beautiful St. Augustine Florida. I adore history & have traveled extensively to see places that have been at the heart of historic beginnings in our world. So much of America’s known history is told from a British perspective. Yet Florida & St. Augustine’s Spanish heritage tell a story much older and right in our back yard! Helping to plan the British Night Watch is my way of giving back to St.Augustine.
Please tell us about the upcoming British Night Watch which will be held the first weekend in December and the activities that will be taking place.
Please note: All Events are free to the Public.
Friday - Dec 4th
- 4:00 p.m. - Opening Ceremony, The Reading of the Treaty of Paris to the residents of St. Augustine, and their reactions, at the Plaza and Government House. Posting and changing of the Guard at the City Gates, and reaction to the possibly hostile crowds. Come see the Riot Act read on St.George Street!
- 8:00 p.m. - An Evening Concert of 18th Century Entertainment, on the Stage in the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum.
Saturday Dec 5th
- 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. British Encampment at the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum open to the public.
- 2:00 p.m. At the Fort– Trooping Colors, Drill Competition & Pay Call
- 8:00 p.m. The Grande Illumination ~ British Night Watch Parade
Sunday Dec 6th
- 8:30 a.m. In Camp - Stacked Drums an 18th Century Anglican Church Service
One of our favorite annual traditions in our family is to attend the British Night Watch Parade which is going to be held at 7:30 p.m. on December 5th. Would you tell our visitors about the parade and what makes it so special.
The British Night Watch is a re-creation of an 18th C military duty performed by Soldiers who were sent each night from Government House at the Plaza to the City Gates to secure the town from attack. It is the only celebration of the British Occupation of St. Augustine and the only parade in the United States next to Mardi Gras that the public can join in!
How long have you been involved with the British Night Watch?
I have participated in the British Night Watch since 1985. I joined the Committee for the Night Watch Board in 2000.
Why did you decide to become a re-enactor?
Living in a town with as much history as St. Augustine, why wouldn’t you become a re-eanctor?
How many re-enactors participate in the British Night Watch and where do they come from?
Over 400 re-enactors attend the British Night Watch. Many residents of St. Augustine who portray 18th C townsfolk join military participants from all over the country.
Thank you, Anthea, for taking the time to participate in our interview. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I’d like to mention that there is a unique opportunity coming to allow many folks to participate in celebrating 500th Anniversary of the founding of Florida in 2013 & the 450th Anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine in 2015. Please visit www.oldcity450.com to discover all the activities that will surround these heritage celebrations!
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