Battle of Red Horse Tavern

On October 26, 2024, a column of British Regulars marched down the original Boston Post Road towards Sudbury. As they entered the town they encountered several colonial militia units at the Wayside Inn. The Colonial Militia took cover behind stone walls and trees and opened fire. Other encounters took place in the open fields. During a break in the action, the Sudbury Ancient Fife and Drum Company entertained the troops and provided stirring music of the period.

The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute has hosted a day of encounters at the Wayside Inn in late October for the past few years. This event has always been very popular with the reenactors as the days are cooler and the location is great. The Wayside Inn provides the reenactors with opportunities for several battle scenarios that can be viewed by the public. In addition, the reenactors have mingled with the public and each other during the lunch hour. There have also been cannon demonstrations. And what better place to relax after the battles than in the Olde Bar Room at the Inn.

Come to the historic Wayside Inn for an experience like never before. Start the day by listening to colonial music, talking with reenactors, visiting sutlers, observing cannon firing demonstrations and more. Then watch as the Colonial and British armies battle for control of the Red Horse Tavern. You can see slide shows of several battles by first going to our past events page.

Eighteenth century taverns were important in the Colonies as a place to hear the news and other current events, engage in commerce, conduct militia drills and provide respite for weary travelers. The Red Horse Tavern, sitting along the Boston Post Road, the major east-west route to and from Boston and New York, was crucial in that anyone or anything travelling into or out of Boston to/from the west would have to pass by its door. Which ever side controlled the Tavern could control the flow of supplies, troops and information.

The Redcoats are determined to wrest control, no matter the cost, while the Colonists will do all they can to stop them and send them back to Boston.

Who will control the tavern? Come and find out.