The year is 1471 and The War of The Roses has laid waste to England’s green and pleasant pastures.

John de Vere, the Earl of Oxford and key commander of the Lancastrians, having defeated William Lord Hastings at the battle of Barnet on the 14th of April, has escaped to Scotland following the Yorkists’ ultimate victory.

A force under the orders of William Lord Hastings, smarting from his loss of face on the battlefield, has marched the 50 miles from Barnet to take Hedingham Castle and seek vengeance.

But one of Oxford’s friends, loyal Lancastrian Lord Bonivent, has come from his castle at Stone, in Kent, to defend his ally’s family home.

Will the castle hold? Or will Oxford lose his home and lands to one of his most hated rivals?

Find out at the Castle tomorrow and Monday as the Medieval Siege Society return to the castle.

Experience the hustle and bustle of life in a busy medieval camp and have a go at archery, see birds of prey and Maypole dancing, have a donkey ride and take part in The Dragons of Wye-Ten’s Dragon’s Egg Hunt.

Craft stalls and traders, food stalls and the castle keep will be open throughout the day to explore.

There will also be puppet theatre shows, a jester, musicians, coconut shys and last but not least a working trebuchet in action, a battle and the arming of the knights.

The castle will be open between 10am and 5pm on both days and tickets are priced at £12.50 for adults, £9 for children and £37 for families.

Visit hedinghamcastle.co.uk for more information.