MOST children will have a break from reading, writing and ’rithmetic for a few weeks now, but Beeston Castle is starting up its very own knight school for one weekend only!

It will be teaching young people the essential skills of the 15th Century – swordplay, armoury and chivalry as it hosts Medieval Knight School on Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, young visitors will be trained in the essential skills that any budding young knight might need to succeed on the battlefield – or indeed, in the highly contested tournaments that were a common feature of court life.

The event runs each day from 11am to 5pm, with the castle itself open from 10am to 6pm. Admission is £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2.50 for children, or free for English Heritage members. Places may be limited in some of the sessions, although there will be Medieval Drill sessions at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, and full battles for children at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

For more details, please call Beeston Castle on 01829 260464 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/beestoncastle.