Historic War of the Roses Enactment as Medieval Soldiers Take Over Holt Castle

History fans can enjoy a return to the 15th century next month, as Sir William Stanley’s Household and The Montgomery Levy bring soldiers from the Wars of the Roses to a free event at Holt Castle.

From 11am until 4pm on Saturday, September 17 and again between the same times on Sunday, September 18, re-enactors presenting life and war in the 1400s will be on show at Holt Castle: 15C War of the Roses.

Arms and armour used by soldiers in the Wars of the Roses will be on display throughout both days, as well as displays of medieval crafts.

Crafts and trade demonstrations will include metalwork, leatherwork, carpentry, clothes-making and cookery, with living history demonstrations held by History Matters.

Visitors will also have the chance to learn more about the role played by the neighbouring River Dee in transport and trade, with medieval boating and fishing displays.

Other hands-on activities will include calligraphy, quern stone flour milling and rush light making.

As well as soldiers, the event will also give an insight into the household and guards of Sir William Stanley, an English knight who made the castle his home in 1484.

Stanley was made Chief Justice for North Wales in 1483 by King Richard III, and also gifted lands in Wales, leading to him taking residence at Holt.

He initially supported King Richard during the Wars of the Roses, but in 1485, Stanley switched sides and joined the Lancastrians, led by Henry Tudor.

He helped them to secure a decisive victory at the Battle of Bosworth Fields, leading to the coronation of Henry Tudor as Henry VII and beginning the age of the Tudors.

Stanley was arrested in 1495 for allegations of treason, and Holt Castle was visited by King Henry VII following his arrest.

Jonathon Gammond, Access and Interpretation Officer for Wrexham Museum, said: “Our re-enactment event at Holt Castle in 2014 was very well-attended, and because we know members of the public enjoy seeing re-enactors bring the past to life, it was time to stage another.

“Having re-enacted the Civil War last time, we thought it would be great to travel back another 200 years to an earlier power struggle, the War of the Roses. Anyone who watched the BBC Series The White Queen and Dan Jones’ Britain’s Bloodiest Dynasty on Channel 5, or knows Shakespeare’s plays, Henry VI and Richard III, will know the appeal of this period of history!

“Holt Castle also provides a fantastic backdrop for re-enactment events, given the part it and its many residents have played in English and Welsh history since the late 13th century.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships, added: “This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for any history fans to come and see the history of the area come to life, as well as for residents who may be interested in the history of the wider Wrexham area.”

AA directional signage outside the village of Holt will direct visitors from the Wrexham-Nantwich road, with pedestrian signage to the entrance of Castle Gardens (LL13 9AX) from the village square, and from the nearby Green Street car park.

Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes, boots or wellies.

Community groups in Holt – including Holt Local History Society and the local playgroup – will also hold a series of further events during the weekend of September 17 and 18.

For more information, visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/heritage.