Peasholm Park Naval Warfare (Battle of Peasholm Park)

Peasholm Park Naval Warfare is a unique holiday attraction and could be the longest running show of all time.

As near as we can say the first performance was held in about 1927. It was the brainchild of Mr George Horrocks who was the Entertainment’s Manager for many years. Incidentally he was also responsible for the Open Air Theatre which is just across the road from Peasholm Park and has now been re-opened after a £3.5 million refurbishment.

In the early days the models consisted of First World War battleships which were known as Dreadnoughts, a mystery ship or two which were known as Q ships, a liner bearing the name 'Orantes' and even in those days there was a submarine (U-boat).

All the vessels were powered by manpower only. It was, of course, hard work for the operators. Although the vessels were 20ft plus long, cramped conditions inside created a host of problems.

Electric power was introduced for the 1929 season. During the 1939-45 war years all the models were kept in storage. Unfortunately they suffered battle damage in the form of dry rot and woodworm so that after the war the vessels made a visit to the breaker’s yard and were replaced with a new fleet of ships.

The ships built. being all scale models of the vessels which took part in the Battle of the River Plate, consisted of the following: British cruisers - HMS ‘Ajax', HMS ‘Achilles’ and HMS ‘Exeter’, the latter being the flagship of the famous trio, and of course the German battleship ‘Graf von Spee’.

The Royal Mail liner ‘Asturias’ was also introduced along with a submarine. The format was changed in about 1960 when aircraft were introduced and since then we have included other vessels, like the ‘Jervis Bay’, the tanker ‘British Pride’ and 'Ark Royal' in 1972. The average life of one of these vessels is 20 to 25 years.

Many changes have taken place over the years. We are always trying to improve this unique attraction and the technical difficulties we encounter can be quite considerable.

It is, of course, the smallest manned navy in the world and we are very proud of the fact that the show is known and has been reported in all parts of the world. It has been shown on both BBC and ITV networks but it must be remembered that this is a holiday show - lots of fun and a jolly good battle. Furthermore everyone lives to fight another day!

Further information about Peasholm Park can be found on the Peasholm Park Friends website

Dates for 2011 (3pm start)

May:  Sat 28 and Bank Holiday Monday 30
June: Saturdays 4,11,18 and 25
July: Thursdays 7,14,21 and 28  & Saturdays 2,9,16, 23 and 30
August: Mondays 1,8,15,23 and Bank Holiday 29 and Thursdays 4,11,18 and 25
Sep: Thursday 1 and Saturday 3

Prices : Adult £3.70 - Child £2.10