Take part in history brought to life with The Sealed Knot!

We’re thrilled to be welcoming The Sealed Knot back to Hartlebury Castle for 2024 – this year with an exciting Civil War living history encampment!

On Saturday 13th July from 11am to 5pm, join us to immerse yourself and the whole family in the past and learn what life was like in this fascinating time…

Highlights:

• Meet wonderful 17th century reenactors as the Carriage Circle is transformed by living history tents, featuring cooking, embroidery, armoury cleaning and more!
• Watch amazing artillery displays with a bird’s eye view – learn about different kinds of canon and how they attacked and defended historic houses during the Civil War (11.30am and 3.30pm)
• Take part in realistic drills with all the family – find out how to march and hold a pike or musket from the Corporals! (12.30pm pike drill and 2.30pm musket drill)
• See firing canons and experience loading one yourself
• Get into character at the dress-up station and even try on some armour
• Hear a fascinating talk on 17th century soldiers’ food from the Sealed Knot Cook (1.30pm)
• Follow the historic children’s trail
• Speak to off-duty soldiers about their weapons and challenge them to a traditional table top game or two
• Enjoy a costume display from the era
• Have a laugh with the Hunt the Rat game and collect a prize when you find them all!
• Play authentic floor games like children from the 17th century, including skittles and kubb

Dig Hartlebury Open Day

Plus, also on 13th July from 11am-5pm, you can see Civil War archaeological excavations in action for free during the Festival of Archaeology! Look out for newly discovered artefacts and previous Castle finds on display, hear talks from knowledgeable members of Dig Hartlebury and Explore the Past, and find out what the Castle and its defences were really like all those years ago. Made possible by Wychavon District Council. The dig does not include entry to the Castle or grounds.

If you can’t make it, pop in free during the dig from 6th-13th July.

Tickets

Standard whole site admission for the Sealed Knot event.