In the picturesque historic market town of Oakham, Oakham Castle is hosting a Festival of Archaeology in its recently reopened grounds.
The castle has benefited from a £2.1million Heritage Lottery Fund project, bringing about multiple improvements, and now visitors are being ecouraged to learn about the castle’s history and artefacts that have been discovered there.
As one of the best surviving examples of Norman architecture in Northern Europe, the castle is the ideal location to host a historical event for those fascinated by the past.
The events of the festival begin on Tuesday July 26, with a talk from historian Peter Liddle on the castles of Leicestershire and Rutland. There will also be a chance to look around the building, which dates back to 1180, and hear stories about artefacts he’s found. The talk begins at 7.30pm and there is a cost of £3.50 on arrival, which includes a copy of a Rutland record book containing interesting facts about the local history.
On the following day, Wednesday July 27, the Castle and the Rutland County Museum are hosting a ‘Monarch’s March’ for children over the age of five. It gives children the chance to make their own horseshoe and crown, ready to march to the castle and present their horseshoes to the Lord of the Manor, like visitors would have in years past. There is a cost of £2.50 per child, payable on the day, and arrival is at 10am at Oakham Castle.
Finally, on Sunday July 31, there’s a guided tour of the castle and grounds at 2pm, with Castle Activity Manager, Charlotte Widgery. You’ll learn about the castle’s exciting history and what’s coming up next for the building. The tour is 45 minutes long and costs £1 per person, which is payable on the day. Spaces are limited so if you are interested, book by emailing Charlotte at cwidgery@rutland.gov.uk .
Don’t miss a great opportunity to find out about local history, in a place where there is certainly no shortage of it!
For more information, visit oakhamcastle.wordpress.com/
Talia Menzies
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