Henry III’s rejection of the ‘Provisions of Oxford’, probably England’s first written constitution, to which he had paid lip service whilst raising much needed taxes, resulted in his brother-in-law, Simon de Montfort, raising an army of disenchanted nobles. For two years during the mid-thirteenth century England was torn by a bloody civil war during which Henry and his son were taken prisoner after the battle of Lewes in 1264 leaving De Montfort as de facto leader of England for a short time. However Prince Edward (later Edward I) made good his escape to raise a new royal army which slaughtered the rebels at Evesham in 1265, mutilating de Montfort’s corpse in the process. The survivors fled to Kenilworth castle to endure the longest ever siege on English soil, finally surrendering in December 1266.

This long week-end battlefield tour provides an expert in-situ narrative of the major battles and sieges of the war. Through handling weapons and equipment, demonstrations of battlefield tactics and personal combat during the Lewes 750th anniversary commemorations you will gain a thorough appreciation of mediaeval warfare under the guidance of Dr John Sadler.

Day 1 - Siege of Rochester.
Assemble in London late morning for the drive to Rochester Castle where we examine de Monfort’s great siege of 1264. Check-in to our Lewes hotel for two nights where we enjoy a talk before dinner.

Day 2 - Battle of Lewes.
Although not the exact anniversary of the battle of Lewes, the local council has planned its commemorative events over this bank-holiday weekend to include re-enactors, their camps and a series of marches, skirmishes and demonstrations. We will enjoy a stroll across the rolling Sussex Downs in the wake of Simon’s advance, whilst from the battlements of the castle we will enjoy far reaching views of the battlefield.

Day 3 - Evesham & Kenilworth.
Evesham was Simon’s last battle and a field that is easily identifiable so we can follow his uphill march to Battle Well, where he lost his life. We also visit the Almonry interpretation centre, de Montfort’s memorial and St Lawrence’s church. This afternoon we travel to Kenilworth castle with its magnificent keep and enceinte. Check-in to our hotel for our last night.

Day 4 - Runnymede.
Return to London via Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was signed.