Roses battle back on again at Abbey

Roses battle back on again at Abbey
21 May 2007
Whitby Gazette


THE War of the Roses between the Houses of Lancaster and York saw some of the bloodiest battles fought on British soil, which lasted 32 years.

This Bank Holiday weekend visitors to Whitby Abbey are being invited to return to the very origins of the wars by joining a host of re-enactors as they recreate the great feud between the Percy and the Neville families.

And Whitby Gazette readers can go for free in our great competition.

Throughout the weekend, the story of the feud - which started over disputes about land ownership in Yorkshire and Northumberland - will be replayed with a plethora of activities and spectacles building up to a grand clash between the Yorkist and Lancastrian forces each afternoon recreating the battle of Heworth Moor of 1453.

The War of the Roses event tells the story of the feud between the rival families which led to the first ever battle preceding what historians regard as the war itself.

The family of Lancastrian Lord Cromwell was attacked by a band of around 1,000 retainers and thugs organised by the Yorkist Percy family as they returned to their Sheriff Hutton home from a wedding at Heworth Moor in 1453.

Although the Nevilles fought off the attack, the incident soon escalated into further violent encounters between the two families - and eventually led to war from 1455 to 1487 between the two heirs to the English throne.

English Heritage's territorial event manager, Jon Hogan, said: "This event really is a medieval must for anyone interested in the history of this region or indeed a love of knights and the spectacle of combat.

"From displays of foot combat, medieval weaponry and jousting in the main arena to story-telling, music and dance within the living history encampment, there is plenty to keep visitors occupied for the whole day staged by some of the country's top historic performers."

The weekend's activities running on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday open with performances of medieval music from top historic musicians, Hautbois, resounding around the abbey ruins, followed by a recreation of the Neville family wedding within the walls.

Any would-be knights are then invited to join the household cavalry for soldiers drill at 11am before watching the experts demonstrating their horseback skills at arms at 11.30am each day.

From 1pm to 2pm the main arena is once again the focus of activity as two mounted knights demonstrate the noble art of jousting followed by a display of medieval firepower.

The story of the feud continues at 2.45pm with a dramatic re-enactment when the wedding party make ready for their return to Sheriff Hutton, which is cut short at 3.15pm as they are attacked and a battle between the two families ensues.

Activities continue within the abbey and living history encampment until 5pm with the abbey's grounds remaining open until 6pm.

Admission to the event costs £5 for adults £4 concession and £3 for children with a family ticket available for just £13. English Heritage members get in free.

l THE Whitby Gazette has teamed up with English Heritage to give away five family passes to Whitby Abbey for the event. Each pass admits two adults and up to three children.

But it is this weekend, so you must be quick.

To be in with a chance of winning one, answer the question:

Which two families were embroiled in the War of the Roses?

Fill in the coupon and bring it in to the Whitby Gazette offices at 17-18 Bridge Street by Friday morning. We will then draw the winners and contact them by phone straight away. Winners must be available to go to the event this weekend.

l CALL Whitby Abbey on (01947) 603568 or visit
www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire .