Herstmonceux Castle will step back 600 years this May Bank Holiday for a weekend of combat displays and living history.
The three-day event will bring a real 15th-century conflict to life in the grounds where it originally unfolded.
It centres on a dramatic confrontation from 1471 between Lady Joan, Baroness Dacre, and her Lancastrian brother, Lord Humphrey Dacre, who marched on the castle during the Wars of the Roses.
Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex, which will host England’s Medieval Festival. (Image: NQ)
Jake Brooks of event organisers Martlet Productions said history will be turned into edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
“We’re bringing the drama of the Wars of the Roses to life in the very grounds where it all unfolded,” he said.
“Visitors can expect thrilling combat displays, medieval archery, authentic re-enactment, and a daily skirmish that tells the real story of Lady Joan, Baroness Dacre, and her embittered Lancastrian brother.
“It’s history, but it’s also edge-of-your-seat entertainment—perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who loves a good story.”
The Medieval Heritage Weekend marks the return of a cherished local tradition to the East Sussex landmark.
A child learns to use a bow and arrow during a living history lesson. (Image: NQ)
Similar events were a popular fixture for many years but were paused for restoration work across the estate.
Dr Matthew Evans, provost and vice-principal (academic) at Queen’s University, which owns the estate, said: “Following a period of important restoration work, we are happy that medieval celebration is returning—delivered by a new organisation and in response to popular demand,”
Visitors can explore encampments showing daily medieval life and watch artisan craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills.
The castle itself provides an atmospheric backdrop, having been built in 1441 by Sir Roger Fiennes, a veteran of the Battle of Agincourt.
While the grounds and gardens will be open, the castle interior will not be accessible during the event.
The building is home to Bader College and is being prepared for the new academic intake of students in early May.
The event is back by popular demand (Image: Vicki Burton)
The weekend is run by an external events firm and needs a separate ticket, even for annual members.
Organisers said separate tickets are standard for big events and insisted prices are competitive.
The festival runs from Saturday, May 2 to Monday, May 4 and opens at 10am each day. Last entry is 4pm and the event closes at 5pm.
Tickets cost £21 for adults and £10 for children, and under-4s go free.
Earlier editions of the castle’s medieval festival have drawn big crowds, with more than 30,000 visitors attending the three-day event in August 2001.
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