Warwick Castle comes under siege this winter
Wednesday 29th March 2006
Warwick Castle comes under siege this Easter with pitched battles, knight training and the mighty Warwick trebuchet.
Battle begins on 1st April and runs til 23rd with FULL SCALE SIEGES on 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th Britain’s Greatest Mediaeval Experience will be on full battle alert over Easter as Warwick Castle comes under siege.
During this period guests will be able to marvel at the jaw-dropping spectacle of the world’s biggest siege machine - the mighty Warwick Trebuchet - learn combat skills from Warwick’s illustrious knights and witness the raw drama and spectacle of a full scale mediaeval battle with live siege re-enactments over the Easter weekend.
Over a hundred mediaeval re-enactors will turn back time to recreate the sights, smells and sounds of an authentic encampment, preparing for bitter battle as the might of Warwick takes on the full force of York. Battle lines will be drawn on the stunning River Island, against the awesome backdrop of the Castle, as the Yorkists attempt to besiege its defences with the assistance of the world’s biggest siege machine, the captured Warwick trebuchet. As battle commences, the air will be thick with the archers’ arrows, whilst foot soldiers prove their mettle through hand to hand and sword combat and the war cries of embittered enemies ring out loud as Warwick tries to re-capture its all powerful siege machine. Guests will be able to visit the encampments, witness the bloody battle and tour the battlefield to get first hand reports from the soldiers or help treat the wounded.
Those interested in learning the knightly skills required in a successful siege can do so at Warwick Castle’s Knight School running from 1st April – 23rd April, excluding the Easter weekend. A team of the Castle’s most illustrious knights will be running classes in armoury and weaponry, sword play, and how to shoot the mighty trebuchet.
Sessions will run regularly throughout the day and squires who make the grade will receive their scroll of chivalry in a special ceremony to become a knight of Warwick and will be awarded a free return visit to the castle.
As well as taking centre stage in the siege re-enactments the gargantuan 18m tall, 22 tonne trebuchet will shoot its ammunition twice daily right over the Easter period in a jaw-dropping spectacle with a new live-action commentary show led by the Master of the Trebuchet telling tall siege stories.
After a freezing winter guests will be still be feeling the chills down their spines, as the Ghost Tower is again transformed into a terrifying live-action spook experience that quite literally brings the true story of Warwick’s most famous ghost to life. Using a mix of live actors, sound, visual and lighting effects, the story of Sir Fulke Greville’s murder is recreated before your very eyes. Warwick Ghosts – Alive may be unsuitable for children under eight and an additional charge applies.
