Travel back in time 400 years and witness Beeston’s final blaze of glory as an important Civil War stronghold.

Soak up the sights and smells of a Civil War encampment as our soldiers cook, sleep and prepare for battle in the castle grounds. Meet the soldiers, discover what  they are fighting for, and find out what life was like on and off the  battlefield. The whole family will  enjoy the impressive weaponry displays.

“The Civil War was one of the  most eventful eras of Beeston’s past” explains property manager Kate Potter, “and it’s really exciting to see this being brought to  life in this new event.

“Over the weekend families will  be able to get hands on with 17th  military drills, find out what it took to defend the castle with our group of Civil War soldiers – and to see them in action. It’s not all war and action though; you’ll also be able to explore what life was like off the battlefield with a stroll  around the living history encampment, and enjoy musical entertainment from Wynndebagge. It’s really important for us to keep the  history of this amazing place  alive, and what better way to do that than stepping right into this  action-packed period of Beeston’s  past.”

At the outbreak of Civil War in 1642, Beeston’s location in the centre of the country made its custody valuable to both the supporters of King and Parliament.  Throughout the war the Castle  was besieged for several months  and taken twice before finally being surrendered to Parliament in November 1645. The event will  evoke the atmosphere and action of this eventful part of Beeston’s past.

So be you Roundhead or Cavalier – this is a great way to experience one of the most exciting periods in England’s history.

The Civil War will take over at Beeston Castle on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6, 2014. Throughout each day visit the encampment and talk to the Civil  War soldiers about life on the  road, what they were fighting for  and tales of battles and join in with the following scheduled activities:

10.00am - Living History Encampment opens   

11.00am - Music with Wynndebagge

12.00pm - Soldiers of the Civil War

12.30pm - Children’s Drill

1.00pm - Music with Wynndebagge

2.00pm - Soldiers of the Civil War

2.30pm - Children’s Drill

3.00pm - Music with Wynndebagge

4.00pm - Soldiers of the Civil War

4.30pm - Children’s Drill

5.30pm - Living History Encampment closes