A LOCAL castle is going back in time to mark the 530th anniversary of the War of the Roses.

Sudeley Castle and Gardens will transport visitors to the age of Yorkist, King Richard III, who fell at the battle on Bosworth Field on August 22 1485 at the hands Lancastrian, Henry Tudor.

The ‘Loyaulte Me Lie - Richard III Medieval Weekend’ - is being held at the castle on August 22 and 23 where children will love to explore a Medieval living history encampment and see craftsmen and women at work, including food, cookery and table manners of the time. There will also be a chance to have a go at archery and browse a Medieval market.

Additionally, there will be musicians and dancing, archers, knights and men-at-arms, a storyteller, members of the Privy Council including Lord Howard, Catesby, Ratcliffe and Lovell, and of course the great man himself, Richard III will be present on his horse 'White Surrey'.

Richard III owned Sudeley Castle twice in his lifetime, first as the Duke of Gloucester in 1469 when Edward IV granted it to him, during which time he used the castle as a base for the Battle of Tewkesbury. In 1478 he exchanged Sudeley for Richmond Castle in Yorkshire, with Sudeley remaining royal property.

Richard acceded to the throne as Richard III in 1483 and became the owner of Sudeley Castle for the second time. During his ownership the magnificent Banqueting Hall with its splendid oriel windows and adjoining state rooms, now in ruins, were built in place of the eastern range of Boteler’s inner court as part of a royal suite.

A Richard III exhibition is also open to visitors - Sudeley Castle & Gardens was one of just seven venues taking part in the 2014 ‘King Richard III Reconstructed Head’ tour as seen on the Channel 4 TV documentary, ‘The King in the Car Park’. Sudeley now has its own representation head, modelled on the portrait of Richard, along with the story of his life and his influence at Sudeley.

Sian Jocelyn, visitor services manager, said: “As a king who played a special part in Sudeley Castle’s history, we thought it only fitting to mark the anniversary of the battle which ended Richard III’s reign, and his life.

“This is set to be one of our most enthralling events yet, and we can’t wait to transport people back to the sights, sounds and smells of the 15th century. It’s just as well this event is on for two days as we imagine visitors will want to come back!

The themed activities are brought to Sudeley by historical event company 'Black Knight Historical' who specialise in quality themed historical reconstructions.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm.