The Great Siege of 1224 – the fall of Bedford Castle
- Genre:
- Creative Community
- Opens:
- 25 Aug 2024
- Times:
- 25 Aug, 14:00
25 Aug, 18:00
Tickets no longer available.
Have you ever wondered why we have a ‘Castle Mound’ in Bedford but no Castle? We will tell all in this newly written play with songs to be performed outdoors on the top of Castle Mound.
There is no charge for tickets for this outdoor production, but it is essential to bring blankets or chairs to sit on as seating is not provided. All children require a ticket regardless of age.
In August 1224, with the whole of Europe watching, 16-year-old King Henry III marched on Bedford with siege engines and around 2,700 soldiers to bring down his father’s mercenary, Falkes de Breautéthe Castellan of Bedford Castle.
At the end of an eight-week siege, Henry ordered the destruction of the Castle and decreed that no fortification would again be built upon the site. Almost 800 years to the day that the siege ended we will bring to life the characters who defended and destroyed the Castle on the very spot where the drama of 1224 unfolded.
There is no charge for tickets for this outdoor production, but it is essential to bring blankets or chairs to sit on as seating is not provided. All children require a ticket regardless of age.
The show will only be cancelled if weather conditions become dangerous, so please dress for the weather and don’t forget your drinking water and sunscreen.
Umbrellas will be permitted but please be mindful of people sitting near or behind you.
Food and drink is not on sale at the event, however you may bring your own as long as you take your litter home with you. You may access the performance area 45 minutes prior to the beginning of the performance start time.
Animals are not permitted on the site with the exception of assistance dogs – please get in touch if you are bringing an assistance dog with you thegreatsiege1224@gmail.com
All children require a ticket, regardless of age. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 and over. Pushchairs will be permitted provided they are folded down during the performance.
The performance will last approximately 75 minutes with no interval.