Rare access granted to Quadrangle at Windsor Castle for medieval weekend

Visitors will get rare access to the historic Quadrangle at Windsor Castle for a weekend of ‘Medieval Mayhem’ this month.

The family weekend, packed with pageantry, storytelling and hands-on historical fun, takes place on June 28 and 29.

The Castle’s Quadrangle is not usually open to the public, which gives visitors the rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of kings, queens, knights and nobles in the space where jousting tournaments once thrilled royal audiences over 500 years ago.

Medieval Mayhem is part of a summer series of themed family history weekends which immerse visitors in the ‘drama and intrigue’ of the 15th century.

The Castle was in the throes of celebration as Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou welcomed a long-awaited male heir in 1453.

However, the royal couple were unaware their celebrations would be short-lived, as England teetered on the brink of its worst defeat of the Hundred Years’ War, plunging the nation into a dynastic crisis known to history as the Wars of the Roses.

A living history camp will recreate Henry VI’s royal court within the Quadrangle throughout the weekend.

Between 11am and 4.30pm daily, costumed educators, playing nobles, soldiers, craftspeople and musicians, will offer an immersive glimpse into life at a medieval court.

Drop-in activities throughout the weekend, included in the price of an admission ticket to Windsor Castle, are as follows:

• Military drill sessions where children can learn how to march and form battle lines like 15th-century soldiers.
• A show-and-tell session on medieval artillery, offering a closer look at the fearsome firepower of early cannons.
• A combat reenactment bringing the final battle of the Hundred Years’ War to life.
• Medieval etiquette and fashion displays hosted by sumptuously dressed lords and ladies.
• A narrated display of a knight being dressed for battle by his squire, culminating in a friendly combat display recreating the tournaments once held in the very same space.
• Opportunities to try on replica armour, from helmets to chain mail.
• Roaming musicians and a jester provide entertainment throughout the day and the chance to taste medieval sweets.

Visitors can also visit St George’s Chapel, the final resting place of Henry VI, on Saturday, June 28.

A range of concessions is available, including half-price entry for children, free entry for under fives and a Young Person discount.

Medieval Mayhem attendees can also convert their admission ticket into a 1-Year Pass, offering 12 months of unlimited re-entry to Windsor Castle for upcoming historical family weekends and seasonal celebrations.

For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/52467sut