History

The Origins of St Augustine’s British Night Watch

St Augustine's Grande Illumination ~ British Night Watch Parade had its beginnings in a small apartment above historic St George Street in 1975. At that time the director of Disney World’s Liberty Square Fife and Drum Corps, George Carroll, was living in St Augustine. He had a store called The Soldier Shop which occupied half of what is today the Benet Store on the corner of St George and Cuna Streets. This place of business was also the local meeting place for The East Florida Ranger's Fife and Drum Corp. This was a group that George organized and taught the fine art of 18th century drumming and fifing. In addition to this well know group there was a large cadre of enthusiastic British Period reenactors in town. They were largely members of two units of the Historic Florida Militia; The 60^th Regiment of Foot and the East Florida Rangers. These men, women and children were eager to participate in events celebrating the Bicentennial of America’s Revolutionary War and to tell that part of St Augustine's history. All the reenactors in town were busy planning events to attend and marched about the town in their 18^th century clothing whenever possible. The whole town was swept up in the Bicentennial fever. Never mind that St Augustine was staunchly loyal to the Crown. Even The Castillo de San Marcos was flying the British King's Color all that year to the consternation of many.

One night in early November 1975, George summoned a group of reenactors to his apartment with a proposal. He had decided it would be a good idea to try an Illumination here in St Augustine. Illuminations, in the 18^th century, were festive events where people in their homes and businesses placed candles in the windows to celebrate a holiday, victory or some other happy occasion that involved the entire community. Often there was music and some sort of pageantry to mark the occasion.

Attending the first meeting of the Committee for the Night Watch were George Carroll, Director of the East Florida Rangers Fife and Drum Corp, Tom Ledford of the St Augustine Preservation Board and Richard Coyle of the 60^th Regiment of Foot. George passed around some pamphlets illustrating Williamsburg’s Illumination by way of example and wondered aloud if something like that could be done in St Augustine. In the discussion that followed it was decided that instead of asking the shops and homes be lit with candles, it would be easier to get the crowd that came to see it to bring the needed lighting in the form of candles and lanterns. It was also decided to add a changing of the guard ceremony at the city gate. St Augustine was only one of three walled cities in North America and it was felt that this ceremony was a unique touch. Excitement mounted as all present sensed the beginning of a colorful and fun ceremony that would mark the beginning of the Bicentennial Year of 1976. Assignments were made. Tom Ledford got permission from the Historic St Augustine Preservation Board to use the museums property, Bob Hall coordinated the parade permits and other permissions and security from the city government. Richard Coyle asked the National Park for permission to hold the changing of the guard at the city gates.

The first British Night Watch Parade in town was held on the night of December 4, 1975. Sponsored by the Historic St Augustine Preservation Board and The Junior Service League, John Griffin served as the Town Major and Tom Rahner played the part of the Town Crier. Although the weather was bitterly cold for St Augustine (upper 20's) a large number of people came out to see and participate. The parade route was much the same as today. The East Florida Rangers Fife and Drum Corps led the Parade and fifers and drummers from Orlando also participated. After it was all over refreshments were served in the Hispanic Garden and the Mayor Edward Mussallem concluded the ceremonies. No one knew at that time that this event, designed only to celebrate the beginning of the Bicentennial, would grow into a citywide festival that has lasted for over 35 years. Much of the British Night Watch's success and longevity can be attributed to the volunteers who serve on the Board of Directors that make up Committee for the Night Watch, Inc. It is the right event at the right time of year, but also this event's success has been due to the fact that it was designed from the very beginning to be a fully participatory event that every one from the most authentic reenactor to the visitor with a purchased candle is made to feel they have an important role to play. It is our sincere hope that this event adds to the pageantry of history in St Augustine and that you will help us continue this tradition!

What are Redcoats Doing in St Augustine?

The Seven Years War, 1756-1763, pitted England against most of the European World. We know this war in America as the French and Indian War. British Arms prevailed. Spain had sided with the French and in one of the actions in this war the port of Havana, Cuba had been taken as a prize by force of arms. Spain was willing to make a deal to get this important city back into her possession. A deal was made for in exchange for Havana, Britain gained all of Florida. The exchange took place on July 21st,1763 at the Castillo de San Marcos in St Augustine. Most of the inhabitants of St Augustine were forced to sell their land and houses for whatever they could get and were transported to Cuba. British Regiments, including the 9th and the Royal Scots, occupied the Castillo de San Marcos which was soon renamed Fort Saint Marks. Under British occupation the tone of the place quickly changed from being Spanish to Anglo. Many plantations were established around St Augustine growing indigo and citrus. Before the Revolutionary War broke out the town gained a reputation for easy living and merriment with many parties and diversions promoted by the officers of the British garrison stationed here. During the American Revolution the city saw a great influx of loyalist refugees from the back country fighting in Georgia and the Carolinas. These refugees formed their own military establishments and along with the British regulars mounted raids against patriot forces in Georgia and South Carolina. Troops from St Augustine took part in the siege of Savannah in 1779. All was for naught. Eventually the Spanish came into the war on the side of the Patriots and captured most of West Florida by the wars end, successfully overwhelming the British and German garrisons in Pensacola and Mobile. As a result of the treaty ending the American War of Independence, Britain had to give Florida back to Spain and that transfer of territory was concluded in the year 1784 with most of the British inhabitants moving to the Bahamas or Nova Scotia.

Grande Illumination or British Night Watch?

Why did you change your name? Haven't you been the Grande Illumination forever? Well, yes, we did have the name first and for many years we were one of the very few night time Christmas events in St Augustine. Times have changed and the Grande Illumination has become confused with St Augustine's "Nights of Lights" opening ceremony held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The Committee believes that calling our weekend the British Night Watch (which has been its unofficial name for practically as long) people will be less confused about what our event is all about.

Revised:December 14, 2009