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Summer fun for all the family at Bosworth Battlefield

Posted on 06/08/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

6 August 2009

Summer fun for all the family at Bosworth Battlefield

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is the ideal place to bring the family this summer holiday, with a jam-packed calendar of events that bring history to life.

Events planned for the summer include an exhibition of armour through the ages, which will run from Monday, 10th to Friday, 14th August. The exhibition will showcase some of the finest examples of armour including Norman, Roman, Medieval and English Civil War, and will demonstrate how armour has evolved over the centuries. Talks will take place at 11am and 2pm and costs £1.50 per person.

With the day of battle looming, visitors have the chance to meet the forces of York and witness their preparations for a battle that will change the course of history. Meet archers as they practise at the village butts, hear tales of bravery and treachery from King Richard’s soldiers, and discover just why these men are prepared to fight for their king and country.

Visitors can meet the soldiers in their camp on Saturday, 15th and Sunday, 16th August, from 11am – 4pm. Tickets cost £2 adults, £1 child/concessions and £5 for families.

For those wanting to re-live the drama and excitement of battle, then Bosworth’s Anniversary Re-enactment on Saturday, August 22nd and Sunday, 23rd is the ideal opportunity.

The spectacular two-day event will include thrilling jousting displays, majestic falconry, living history camps, medieval markets, a children’s mayhem arena with games, the chance to meet the king and, of course, the finale re-enactment of King Richard’s last stand. Tickets are available to buy in advance by calling 01455 290 429 and cost £10 for adults, £7 concessions, £25 for families (two adults and two children).

The big battle is sure to have caused some serious injuries, so from Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th August, Captain Mortimer will be talking all about at wounds, weapons and warfare, with the chance to see replica weapons and discover more about medieval life. The event runs from 11am- 4pm and costs £1.50 per person.

On August Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 29th – Monday 31st August, visitors can meet the barber surgeon and discover the gruesome techniques used to help soldiers wounded in battle – not for the faint-hearted! Tickets to Ambion Arena for this event cost £2 adults, £1 child/concessions and £5 family.

Ernie White, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Better Places, said: “Bosworth Battlefield is a fantastic attraction, and has something to entertain and engage visitors of all ages, so is an ideal place to enjoy a fun day out with the family.

“The battlefield recently won a national award, beating some of the UK’s biggest attractions including the Cabinet War Rooms and Natural History Museum, so there’s no need to travel far when there’s great quality attractions on your doorstep right here in Leicestershire.”

For those looking for an entertaining way to while away a sunny Sunday, then why not enjoy some of the most picturesque views in Leicestershire and learn about local history at the same time on a guided walk of the battlefield trail? The 2km walk explores the death of King Richard III and the unlikely victory of Henry Tudor. Walks leave the courtyard at 11am every Sunday and return at 12.30pm. Tickets cost £3 adults, child/Concession £2 and family £8 (two adults and two children).

In addition to the many events planned for the summer, Bosworth Battlefield also boasts an award-winning interactive exhibition, gift shop, licensed and reclaimed Tithe Barn Restaurant and country park.

There’s also a treasure hunt to find all of King Richard’s armour, that costs just £1 to enter and includes a prize. Treasure Hunts are available at any time through the summer holidays from the gift shop and ticket office.

For further details on Bosworth Battlefield, please visit www.bosworthbattlefield.com or contact 01455 290 429.

Ends

Note to editors

Background: Bosworth Battlefield is run by Leicestershire County Council and is the location of the Battle of Bosworth. The battle, which took place on 22 August 1485, brought an end to 30 years of English civil war, now known as the War of the Roses and saw the infamous King Richard III lose both his life and crown to Henry Tudor. The Battlefield includes a new exhibition telling the story of the Battle and looking at its impact on British history, which has been funded by an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Admission to the exhibition costs £6.00 for adults, £4 Concessions and £3 for children. Family ticket £15 (2 Adults + 2 children) or £10 (1 adult + 2 children)

Address: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park, Sutton Cheney, Nr Market Bosworth, CV13 OAD

Telephone: 01455 290 429

Web: www.bosworthbattlefield.com

For further information: Call Leicestershire County Council Press Office on: 0116 3056274 or email: pressoffice@leics.gov.uk