Cross the drawbridge and take a trip back in time to Castle Rushen on Sunday 10th June for an action packed day of Living History. Celebrate and relive the Castle’s diverse history over the centuries, from a Prison History tour to medieval games and merriment; there is something for everyone!
Watch medieval recipes being prepared in the Castle kitchen; visit the apothecary to learn about medieval herbal remedies; and see a fantastic display of weaponry. Young knights can practise their knightly skills at Castle Rushen’s special knight school and design their own coat of arms, learning about how they were used to recognise friend from foe!
Visitors can also engage with a traditional long bow demonstration; play the ancient games of Merels and Viking Kubb; listen to early music by ‘Renaissance’; discover the Castle’s fascinating prison history, hear stories from the tapestries and learn about the people who called Castle Rushen their home from our Castle Guides.
Katie King, Community Engagement Officer for Manx National Heritage said,
“This event day is really about having fun and learning about the fascinating history of Castle Rushen. We have brought together a wide range of specialist demonstrators from across the Island who will help bring the Castle alive – and there really is something to entertain all ages. As the event is timed to coincide with the final weekend of the TT festival we have designed a special Castle Rushen TT Challenge – to test visitors ‘knightly skills’! We hope a large number of visitors will have the necessary skills to prove their bravery, humour, valour, healing, wisdom, style and strength – to complete the challenge and add their names to the Castle Rushen role of honour!”
Living History takes places at Castle Rushen on Sunday 10th June from 10am – 5pm. Admission tickets are available on the door, £8 adults, £4 FMNH and children. The family ticket offers exceptional value, providing entry for 2 adults and up to 4 children for £20, no other concessions. To help plan your day the special timed activities are as follows;
- 11am – 12noon and 2pm – 3pm, Storytelling from the Tapestries for Families, Medieval Dining Hall
- 11am – 12noon and 3pm – 4pm, Castle Rushen Prison History Tour, meet at the Castle Shop (min. age 8 years)
- 2pm – 2:30pm and 3pm – 3:30pm, Early Medieval Music with Renaissance, Presence Chamber
- Knight School for Young Knights takes place at 10:30am, 12noon, 1:30pm and 3pm