King Richard returns to Middleham Castle Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June 2012 Portrayed as an evil despot by Shakespeare, Richard III has long had a reputation for being a hunchbacked tyrant – but was the reputation fair or simply propaganda written 100 years after his death to support the Tudor claim to the throne? Visitors to Richmond Castle on Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 June will have the chance to judge for themselves as the king returns to his childhood home, Middleham Castle for two days of re-enactment! The scene will be set to the year 1483, towards the end of Richard’s reign when the Lancastrian pretender, Henry Tudor, is mustering his forces to act against the King. Richard returns to Middleham Castle with his courtly retinue to decide how he should deal with the uprising. “Forget the winter, this is surely Richard III’s summer of discontent as he does everything he can to hold onto his throne, as even his closest allies desert him to support Henry. Visitors will have the chance to meet the King and hear his side of the story in the dying days of his reign,” comments events manager, Jon Hogan. “This truly was a turbulent time for Richard’s House of York and a turning point in English history as the Tudors begin their rise to power.” The story of Richard’s final days on the throne plays out during each day, from his arrival at 11.30am to his final judgement at 4.30pm. In between the dramatic presentations, visitors will be able to meet some of the characters from the era, taking a closer look at some of the weaponry that would have been used, from defensive armour to swords, bows and even the different types of arrows that would have been used in different combat situations. Admission to the event is £5.50 for adults, £5.00 for concessions and £3.50 for children. English Heritage members get in free. For more information, please call 01969 623768 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/middleham ENDS For further media information, please contact: Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (Yorkshire) Tel: 0113 251 5698 Mob: 07810 546567 Email: [email protected].