Arundel Castle comes alive with visit from ‘Norman knights’

Set within the historic setting of the Norman Keep, the Raven Tor Living History Group portrayed the life and times of the 12th century Norman period with weapons, armour and combat displays, as well as a range of crafts.

At the time in 1190, Richard Coeur de Lion, King of England, had disembarked on the Third Crusade and had called upon his subjects to set forth and join him.

Arundel Castle guarded the road linking the Mediaeval ports of Shoreham, Pagham, and Portsmouth, and access to the sea via the River Arun, and so was a logical gathering point for men, supplies and equipment setting out for the Continent.

With story-telling, falconry and archery demonstrations, the event, which was held last Wednesday and Thursday, was filled with the sights, sounds and smells of the late Norman period.

Arundel Castle is more than 1,000 years old.

Along with the earldom, it has been passed through generations almost directly since 1138, with only the occasional reversion to the crown and other nobles for brief periods.

Arundel Castle has now closed for the winter and will re-open on April 1, 2014, with a new calendar of events.

For further information about events taking place at the castle, visit www.arundelcastle.org