Information on Loughborough

Battle anniversary marked with spectacular re-enactment

Posted on 22/09/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

15 August 2009

Battle anniversary marked with spectacular re-enactment

Bosworth Battlefield will be bringing the drama and excitement of a medieval battle to life in a spectacular re-enactment to mark the 524th anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of August.

Hundreds of medieval re-enactors from The Wars of the Roses Federation will bring history to life as Kings, knights, archers and soldiers come face to face to recreate this decisive and bloody battle that saw the death of King Richard III and the birth of the all powerful Tudor Dynasty.

The spectacular two day event will also include a thrilling jousting tournament, where visitors can cheer on their champion, and a mounted skill-at-arms display where knights and ladies will showcase their sword skills and wow the crowds.

Visitors can step back in time and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of medieval life in the atmospheric living history camp, where camp followers will be cooking on open fires and preparing for the big battle. Then stroll down the medieval market, a great place to snap up a souvenir of the day with a wide variety of stalls selling medieval style crafts and re-enactment goods.

Families will be entertained throughout the day with a dedicated Children’s Arena in Ambion Parva, where young knights can learn the skills needed to become part of King Richard’s Army, including mini jousting and bill drills, as well as have fun with a host of traditional medieval games.

For those wanting to learn more about the Battle of Bosworth, the award-winning interactive exhibition will be offering half price entry, and a host of free guided walks of the Bosworth Trail will be leaving from the battlefield courtyard throughout the day.

For fans of Richard III, there’s the chance to 'Meet the King' at lunch with his Commanders and ask him any questions you may have about the impending battle.Visitors can also learn just how well protected a Knight would have been with a 'dressing the knight' session in the battlefield courtyard, which will exaine the different layers of armour worn as well as take a look at ladies’ fashions of the period.

One of the highlights of the event is the majestic falconry displays that take place throughout the day, with the chance to get up close an personal with these beautiful birds and even have a go at handling them yourself.

The finale of the event is the dramatic re-enactment of the battle, where the clanking of armour and whistling of arrows rushing through the air combine with the blast of canon and the thumping of horses hooves to bring to life this pivotal moment in history.

Two Kings, one day, and the course of history changed forever.

The Battle of Bosworth Anniversary Re-enactment Weekend is on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August from 10.00am – 5.30pm

Advanced tickets for Bosworth’s biggest event of the year are on sale now and cost £10.00 Adult, £7.00 Concessions, £25.00 family (2adults +2children) and £20.00 family (1adult+2children).

Tickets are available to purchase at Bosworth Battlefield on 01455 290 429 a £1.00 charge for postage or no charge for collection.

For further details, please visit www.bosworthbattlefield.com or call 01455 290 429

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Notes 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.

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: Mel Atkinson – 0116 3057046 – matkinson@leics.gov.uk