ROCKINGHAM, England – Battles, pageantry and a Viking invasion are on the agenda for Sunday, Aug. 24 and Monday Aug. 25 at historic Rockingham Castle in England. Re-enactors will take on the role of the infamous Scandinavians who pillaged Britain from the late 8th century AD until the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Visitors to the event can expect to see realistic, entertaining battle displays, as opposing forces meet to the thunderous clash of steel. Additionally, life as it was in olden times will revisited in a tented encampment, where tradesmen will show off their skills making weapons and coins, weaving nets and brewing medicines. Storytellers will entertain, and anyone who wishes to do so can try their hand at archery.
The event will run from noon till 5 p.m. each day. For additional information on admission fees, directions and parking, visit www.rockinghamcastle.com.
About Rockingham Castle:
Located one mile north of Corby, Northamptonshire, England, Rockingham Castle was built on the instruction of William the Conqueror and has been home to the Saunders Watson family for 450 years. Prior to the Watsons’ ownership, the castle was held by The Crown. Very few other homes in England have been continuously occupied for nearly 1,000 years and within that time been owned by just one family since being relinquished as a royal castle.
Rockingham Castle was a popular haunt of writer Charles Dickens, who was a great friend of Richard and Lavinia Watson, ancestors of the current family. The castle is arguably the inspiration for Chesney Wold in one of Dickens’ greatest works, “Bleak House.”
Rockingham Castle was used as the set for the BBC English Civil War epic drama “By the Sword Divided.” It also featured in the Val Kilmer film “Top Secret!” A cricket pitch lies within the grounds of the castle and is home to the Old Eastonians Cricket Club.
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