It's 1453. Step into the court of King Henry VI and his Queen, Margaret of Anjou, as celebrations continue at the Royal Castle following the birth of Edward, Prince of Wales. Little do the King and Queen know that, in a matter of months, England will suffer its greatest defeat of the Hundred Years War, plunging England into a bitter family dispute known to history as "The Wars of the Roses" 

Meet the chivalrous knights and Men at Arms who will muster in this great Castle.  Explore their camp in the Quadrangle where you will meet nobles, musicians and craftsmen.  

There will be exciting timed displays throughout the day. Young 'recruits' can take part in "Become a Man-at-Arms" drills. Medieval Lords and Ladies will show off their costumes in our "Medieval Fashion & Manners" workshops. Be awed by the new military technology in the artillery display "Guns of the 15th century". And don't forget the finale - "The Battle of Castillon" where history was truly made.

Drop-in activities throughout the weekend will include:

• Military drill sessions where children can learn how to march and form battle lines like 15th-century soldiers.
   

• A show-and-tell session on medieval artillery, offering a closer look at the fearsome firepower of early cannons.
   

• A combat reenactment bringing the final battle of the Hundred Years’ War to life.
   

• Medieval etiquette and fashion displays hosted by sumptuously dressed lords and ladies.
   

• A narrated display of a knight being dressed for battle by his squire, culminating in a friendly combat display recreating the tournaments once held in the very same space. 
   

• Opportunities to try on replica armour, from helmets to chain mail. 
   

• Roaming musicians and a jester providing entertainment throughout the day and even the chance to taste medieval sweets.