Welcome to Laredo Western Town...in England???
The Wild West is alive and kicking!
One of our customers, Brain R. recently won our Show us Da Goods Monthly Contest for January. BTW...we dig that t-shirt!. The backdrop of his photo was quite something and when we inquired about it, he sent us a little info and some additional photos of the Laredo Western Town down in Kent, England.
When you think of the Wild West, England really doesn't come to mind. However, we were very surprised to find out that the Wild West is very much alive and kickin' in this part of the world and taken very seriously by its members who are full-fledged reenactors. This place is a BIG deal and the town and many of its members have been showcased in major British and Hollywood films, documentaries, music videos and much, much more! They also get visiting western clubs from all over the world. According to Brian, it's the real deal and attention to detail and historical accuracy is key to its success and growth over the years. Plus, the members have a deep love and passion for the American Wild West and its culture and traditions...many of which started back in the 1800's when the West was opened up and influenced by England. Kinda full circle if you think about it.
Here's the skinny in Brian's own words...
Howdy! Let me introduce myself. My name is Brian and some 37 years ago l walked into an amazing place called Laredo. No, not Laredo in Texas, USA, but Laredo in Kent, UK. It was a small shanty town in the corner of a field, mostly stained wooden buildings with boardwalks. This was the Laredo Western Club, a western reenactment group founded in 1971. Being a keen western fan, I fell in love with the place. I offered to paint signs to brighten the place up, took part in my first ever western show and became a member of the club.
On about the town...
Along the street is a Saloon, Marshals Office, working Blacksmiths, Livery Stables, double fronted General Store, Gunsmith, Wells Fargo, Wet-Plate Photographers Studio, Assay Office, Bank, Saddlery, Undertaker, Texas Rangers, Barber, Bakers, Cantina, Tobacconist, Attorneys Office. It's all complete with boardwalks, hitching rails, horse troughs, shop signage all strung along an unmade old western style street. Plus, we also have a mining camp consisting of nine cabins.
Inside the buildings, the décor is completely period. The town's lighting is only by oil lamps and candles while using wood burning stoves for cooking and heating, All the equipment being used now would have been used during that period.
On the 18th of November 2021, the weekend we were about celebrate Thanksgiving, the town was engulfed in a huge fire that destroyed fifteen buildings, of which there were five two-story ones, and the whole mining camp. But like towns back in the Old West that suffered the same fate, we are building it back up again. It really is an amazing place and l am proud to be part of it.
Brian is also the town photographer and shared a number of his past amazing shots of some of the club members. He also wanted us to share a special Rest In Peace for Boot & Ethan
Brian, thank you very much for sharing this interesting part of living history---it's quite something to see and to discover! Again, it just shows how small and connected our world really is. We all need to get out, explore the world in which we live and to shake things up a bit so we can all ride into that golden sunset.
How To Find Them:
Laredo Western Town
Kent, England
Website: https://www.laredouk.com/
Go check out their website and have a gander around their photo gallery---amazing stuff!
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Mind your manners and keep your powder dry...
What an awesome town. Great to hear they’re keeping it up and continuing the tradition. I’m going to need to check it out next time we’re on that side of the pond.