See history come to life at beautiful Arundel Castle where re-enactments of Norman, medieval, Tudor and Civil War events allow visitors to immerse themselves in the past. At each of the events featured below, Raven Tor, the award-winning living history group will recreate everyday life in times gone by. Cooks, weavers, fletchers, doctors and all manner of craftsmen and their families go about their daily lives in full costume and with only the tools and materials of the time.
The activities begin at Easter when the hosting of a medieval tournament throughout the day in the castle grounds on Sunday 8 and Monday 9 April sees a tented encampment set up alongside the jousting arena, with full demonstrations of armour making, cooking, weaving, leatherwork, fletching, and medicine, as well as weapons and combat displays. There’s also an opportunity for visitors to have a go at archery for themselves. Master storyteller, balladeer and minstrel Ned Sharsted, presented by Distant Trumpets, enthralls listeners will tales of bloodshed and treason in turbulent 15th century England. The Battle of Barnet on Easter Sunday 1471 – a crucial turning point on the Wars of the Roses between the Yorks and the Lancastrians – is the focus of Ned’s narrative and musical skills during this weekend.
The jousting tournamentsand living history re-enactments return on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 May, and again on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August, when the jousting on both weekends is performed by Destrier, who are renowned for their attention to period detail. Visitors to the event can talk to members of the company to find out more about medieval life and meet the knights and their horses; while Raven Tor will be in character presenting weapons and combat tournaments and a tented encampment, offering a fascinating insight into all aspects of daily life in the 15th century. Distant Trumpet’s balladeer Ned Sharsted returns to the May festivities with his captivating tales of battle and intrigue in 15th century England.
History moves forward two centuries in July as Raven Tor join with Rawdon’s Regiment from the Sealed Knot Society on Sunday 22 July,for a full re-enactment of an English Civil War Siege. As well as the excitement of the battle itself, visitors can also see demonstrations of skills from the time such as cooking, weaponry – including ordnance, musket and pike, and weaving.
A step back in time to the origins of Arundel Castle itself occurs on Sunday 9 September, and again on Thursday 25 October, when Normans take over the 11th century keep, which is the oldest part of the much-extended castle. These events will be an opportunity to learn about life in England under William the Conqueror.
The season rounds off with Tudorsin the Castle on Thursday 25 October, ending an exciting year’s programme of insights into living history.
Notes to editors
Arundel Castle has been the home of the Dukes of Norfolk for 900 years; it is the longest inhabited country house in England and furniture, armour, art and antiquities from many periods in its history can be seen. The Castle’s formal gardens create an attractive setting.
Arundel Castle and grounds are open from 31 March to 28 October 2007. 2007 will be the first year that the castle will be open on Saturdays throughout the season; closing on Mondays instead, except for Bank Holidays. Opening times are: Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm (Castle rooms open from 12 noon). Last entry is 4pm.
The historical special events are included in the normal full admission rates which are: £12 for adults, £9.50 for seniors, £7.50 for children and the great value £32 family ticket (2 adults + up to 5 children) for Castle, Fitzalan chapel, gardens, grounds, gift shop and restaurant.
For further information, contact Arundel Castle on tel: 01903 882173, www.arundelcastle.org, email: info@arundelcastle.org.
For press information and photographs, contact Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR on01892 616647or e-mail: caroline@penningtonpr.com |
