Love, war and live on the move - medieval melee at Kenilworth Castle
Sunday 6 & Bank Holiday Monday 7 May 2012
They say all is fair in love and war, and visitors to KenilworthCastleon Sunday 6 and Bank Holiday Monday 7 May will have a chance to see for themselves, as Kenilworth’s medieval season continues with a Medieval Melee, which promises both love and war set amidst the Wars or the Roses!
The two day event features one of the country’s top re-enactment groups, the Beaufort Companye, bringing to life the sights, sounds and smells of the 15th century, from a living history encampment where visitors can mingle with the soldiers and their families, to the arena where the knights battle for fame and glory!
“The Wars of the Roses saw the houses of Lancaster and York engage in a number of skirmishes around the country as Richard III sought to hang onto his throne in the face of opposition from Henry Tudor and his allies, and the late 15th century was characterised by wars around the country, which meant that many households had to ensure they were battle-ready in case they were called up to support their king or lord,” explains events manager, Karen Pike. “Troops on the move would often have their families travelling with them to offer support, and of course, nobles would be surrounded by their servants and squires, so our encampment features people of all social classes making the most of life on the move.”
In total, there were 17 major battles over the 32 years of the Wars of the Roses, with many smaller skirmishes in between, but they were amongst the bloodiest battles ever fought on British soil – a reported 28,000 men died in one day on the battlefield at Towton in 1461!
Over the course of the two days, visitors will join the soldiers as they mourn their losses, with the event promising no less than four funerals. However, amidst the sorrow, there will be joy with a wedding celebrated each day – but will everything go according to plan?
The social activity will be interspersed with medieval combat arena displays, as the knights show off their skills with sword, spear and shield in no-holds barred battles to find the top knight each day!
The event runs each day from11.00am to 5.00pm, withKenilworth Castleand the Elizabethan Garden opening one hour earlier at 10.00am. Admission prices are £10.30 for adults, £9.30 for concessions and £6.20 for children, with a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) available for £26.70. English Heritage members receive discounted entry of £2.10, £1.90, £1.30 and £5.40 respectively.
A Park & Ride service will run every 10-15 minutes from10am–6pm from Kenilworth clock tower bus stop. Please park in the town centre car parks, charges may apply. Disabled parking available at the main castle car park.
For more information, please visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth or call 01926 852078.
ENDS
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)
Tel: 0113 251 5698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@fim.org.uk
