In 1640, Caerlaverock Castle came under a prolonged and bitter siege from a Covenanter army. This weekend – Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July – visitors are invited to go back in time to meet the covenanters, and hear how they fought to the siege’s bitter end.
The ruined state of Caerlaverock Castle today is a direct result of the events of 1640. Lord Maxwell, loyal to Charles I, held out against the Covenanters for 13 weeks before surrendering. During the siege, the south curtain wall was demolished so the castle could never again be used as a place of defence.
This weekend, costumed performers will set up camp at the castle and re-enact some of the events of the siege. Visitors will be able to witness musket displays and pike drills, as well as meeting the surgeon in the living history camp to hear about the hardships of soldierly life.
Fran Caine, Assistant Events Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “There’s something quite special about seeing costumed re-enactors perform in the surroundings of an ancient building like Caerlaverock Castle, and our hope is that Fight to the End will bring a fascinating period in the castle’s history to life for visitors. With weaponry, drill displays and presentations, it will be a fun – and informative – day out for the whole family.”
Fight to the End takes place at Caerlaverock Castle from 12 – 4pm on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July.
Entry to this event is included in the Caerlaverock Castle admission price.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- As of the 1st October 2015, Historic Scotland and RCAHMS came together to form a new lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. The new body Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
- Historic Scotland is a sub brand of HES.
- View our press pack and keep up to date by registering for media release email alerts. If you wish to unsubscribe, please contact us.
Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016
2016 is the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design (IAD). Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland's position as an "innovation nation", its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed creative industries sector. This is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland and supported by a variety of partners.
Follow Historic Environment Scotland
Twitter: @HistEnvScot | @welovehistory
Facebook: @HistoricEnvScotland | @VisitHistoricScotland
For further information
Grant Thomson
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
Direct Line: 0131 668 8603
Mobile: 07580 702 611
communications@hes.scot