A WEEKEND-long event marking the 530th anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth with Medieval re-enactments and music attracted the visitors to Sudeley Castle and Gardens.

The Battle of Bosworth was the last significant battle of the Wars of the Roses, the civil war between the Houses of Lancaster and York that raged across England in the latter half of the 15th century. Fought on August 22, 1485, the battle was won by the Lancastrians when Richard III died at the hands of Henry Tudor's army.

The castle and gardens were transported back to Tudor times for Loyaulte Me Lie - Richard III Medieval weekend where visitors were able to explore a Medieval living history encampment where food was cooked over open fires while storytellers and minstrels playing authentic music of the time provided entertainment.

Craftsmen and women were seen at work making jewellery and spinning yarn while members of Richard's privy council chatted about the ensuing battle as knights walked among the castle's gardens.

Archers demonstrated their art and offered the chance to have a go with a low bow. Women dressed in authentic costumes gathered the ripening fruit of a huge mulberry tree in the grounds which would have provided people centuries ago with a sweat treat.

The themed activities were brought to Sudeley by historical event company, 'Black Knight Historical' run by Ian Pycroft, who was in the guise of Sir Robert Brackenbury, an English nobleman who was a close associate of Richard III.

Richard III himself appeared on his horse, White Surrey.

He 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 he built the magnificent Banqueting Hall, now in ruins, with its oriel windows and adjoining state rooms.

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."

A Richard III exhibition is also open to visitors as Sudeley Castle and 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.