IT HAS been a long time since I’ve been sat in a history lesson, but last weekend I found myself learning about Warwick Castle’s famous trebuchet.
Britain’s biggest siege machine has returned to Warwick Castle in new show Legend of the Trebuchet.
Set in March 1470, the show sees the castle’s most unlikely heroes under attack by the Yorkists and their cannon.
With the knights away, it’s up to trebuchet expert Sam to get a rag-tag group together and mount a defence before it’s too late.
The crowds, sat on the bank of the River Avon, were treated to cannon fire, galloping horses and heartfelt acting from the shows team.
Children and adults alike enjoyed the sound effects, live action fights and of course the launching of the trebuchet.
The colossal catapult is an authentic recreation of one of the biggest and most deadly military machines of its time.
The giant catapult is built using ironwork from the original trebuchet and specialist wood from France.
The wood from the original trebuchet – nicknamed Ursa, latin for bear, after Warwickshire’s famous emblem – is being used to make benches for the castle grounds.
The show, ideal for children and adults alike with an interest in history, runs from April 1 until November 5.
Visit www.warwick-castle.com for more information.
