This weekend visitors to Shropshire’s Stokesay Castle will be treated to a journey into the past as the castle comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of Medieval England.
The two day event will see a cast of colourful characters making Stokesay their home as they live and make merry in the castle grounds.
Visitors will be transported back in time to the year 1460 – the early years of the turbulent Wars of the Roses. England is at an uneasy peace, and Stokesay Castle has been temporarily garrisoned by Sir William Harrington and his household. Castle life continues as Stokesay’s inhabitants go about their lives, however, not all is well. Rumours are circulating that Lady Harrington’s gaze is not directed solely towards her husband…
Over the Bank Holiday weekend renowned re-enactment group ‘The Harringtons’ will be setting up home in the beautiful castle grounds. Explore their medieval encampment, meet your 15th Century ancestors, try armour on for size, and find out what life would have been like for the castle’s garrison as they continue life away from the campaign.
Marvel at the soldiers’ skills as they go head-to-head in contests of strength and accuracy. Don’t miss our ‘Arming of the Knight’ too, as the knights get ready to train, and watch as they put their moves into practice in an exciting foot combat display at the end of the day.
There will be much merry-making alongside preparations for battle. Find out about the fashion of the period with a special fashion parade, and discover the food which fuelled a garrison in fun and light-hearted presentations.
Be entertained by our talented musicians throughout the day too and meet Reynard the Fox – the great trickster figure of the Middle Ages. Watch as he manages to get away with the most outrageous behaviour, time after time, and enjoy the spectacle as he is brought before the great King Noble the Lion to account for his crimes. Our gallant band of minstrels will present three of the cases against him. Guilty or innocent? You decide…
History-hunters young and old will love stepping back in time, and seeing Shropshire’s medieval past come to life – all to the back drop of one of the best preserved Medieval manor houses in England.
Visitors can enjoy ‘Stokesay Stories – Medieval’ on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August. Family entrance is £21.50, adults are £8.30, and children are £4.90. English Heritage members can enjoy reduced price entry.
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