Anniversary marked by spectacular Battle re-enactment!

Hundreds of medieval re-enactors 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 include a thrilling jousting tournament, where visitors can cheer on their champion, and a mounted skill-at-arms display where knights and ladies showcase their skills on horseback.

Visitors can step back in time and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of medieval life in the extensive living history camp, where followers cook on open fires and prepare for the big battle.  A stroll down the medieval market, which is a great place to snap up a souvenir of the day with a variety of stalls selling medieval style crafts, real ale and re-enactment goods.

Families will be entertained with lots of games and activities including Knight School where young knights learn the skills needed to become a part of King Richard’s Army, including mini jousting and bill drills, as well as having fun with traditional medieval games.

For those wanting to learn more about the Battle of Bosworth, there is inclusive entry to the award winning interactive exhibition and guided walks along the new Battle of Bosworth Trail where visitors can discover more about the famous battle whilst enjoying breath-taking views.  The curator of the Battlefield Centre will be giving a talk on how the battle was relocated on Saturday 20th.

For fans of Richard III there is the chance to ‘Meet the King’ at lunch with his commanders and ask him questions abut 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, that explain the different layers of armour worn for battle, as well as looking at women’s fashions of the period.

Visitors can also see the majestic falconry displays with the chance to get up close and personal with these beautiful birds and even have a go at handling them.

The morning sees the re-enactors taking to the field to show how the Yorkists won a great victory at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, which brought 14 years of peace to the country.

The field guns of the time, of which important evidence has been found on the battlefield, are put through their paces in an exciting (and loud!) artillery display.

The grand finale of the event is the dramatic re-enactment of the battle of Bosworth, 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 bring to life this pivotal moment in history when two Kings, came together on one day and changed the course of history forever.  

David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Museums said:
“The Bosworth Battlefield re-enactment weekend is a spectacular event that attracts thousands of visitors who want to take in some of the sights, sounds and smells of what it really would have felt like to be around at the time of the famous battle.  

“This year the event promises to be even bigger and better than ever with a whole host of exciting events to see and get involved in including a chance to go on a guided walk along the newly developed Bosworth Trail and Sun Dial.  If you’ve never been before then I’d urge you to come along for a fantastic fun filled experience that will truly take you back through time.”

The battle of Bosworth Anniversary Re-enactment Weekend is on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21st August from 10am – 5.30pm.

For more information aboutt Bosworth Battlefield or to book tickets please call  01455 290 429.  For further details, please visit: www.bosworthbattlefield.com

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 Wars of the Roses and saw King Richard III lose both his life and crown to Henry Tudor. The Battlefield includes a multi award-winning 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.

Notes to the Editor:
Special Press Passes can be made available for reporters/photographers – if you or your colleagues would like to go along to the spectacular re-enactment weekend, please call Permjit Mann, Press Office on 0116 305 6242 or email: permjit.mann@leics.gov.uk

Address:
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park, Sutton Cheney, Nr Market Bosworth, CV13 OAD
Telephone: 01455 290 429
Web: www.bosworthbattlefield.com