Magna Carta Celebration Event, Hedingham Castle, 14th June

Magna Carta celebration

Magna Carta Celebration Event, Hedingham Castle, 14th June
10.00am to 5.00pm

800 years ago Magna Carta was sealed, and to celebrate the close involvement of Hedingham Castle and its Lord, Robert de Vere, third Earl of Oxford, we are staging a special Event to bring those momentous times to life through a stunning combination of original and specially composed songs, dramatic reconstruction and some serious fighting. The gates open at 10, when the medieval encampment comes to life, and the knights will be training in the arena from 10.30.

Riotous Assembly set the scene at 11.30 and, at 12, a party of rebel Barons ride up to the Castle to persuade Robert to join their cause. A single combat ensues, then a recreation of Runnymede at 1, with commentary on some of the more interesting aspects of what was really going on. After more music, the Knights arm in the arena allowing visitors to witness the authentic process whereby men prepared themselves for battle in those days.

This will be followed by foot combat and mounted skill at arms, culminating in the Flag Melee at 3.30, a roaring battle involving the soldiers and mounted knights using a combination of lance and sword. The victorious rebels cut their celebrations short when a messenger arrives announcing that the King has petitioned the Pope to have Magna Carta declared null and void, and that all involved have been excommunicated. Some flee, but de Vere closes the day with a rousing speech about freedom and the necessity to prepare for war.

A medieval camp will surround the Castle, with a variety of food and craft stalls, and a pair of comic Gravediggers punctuate the action, hungry for business. A traditional Maypole offers music and dancing. Exciting, entertaining and real, we’ll tell the story of the most significant event in the development of our constitution.

Don’t miss it, it’ll be a hundred years till the next one!

Hedingham, where History Happened!

Adult £14, Over 65 £12.50, Under 18 £10, Under 5 £0, Family £42.  

http://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk