Herstmonceux Castle Estate wanted to relaunch medieval events at the castle after a period of restoration work, responding to public demand and longstanding local tradition. The team needed compelling PR to promote the new Medieval Heritage Weekend over the May Bank Holiday, explain why the event carried a separate ticket price for members, and set clear expectations about what visitors would experience on site.
Client: Herstmonceux Castle Estate / Bader College
Sector: Heritage, tourism, events
Location: Herstmonceux, East Sussex
Services: Event PR, messaging and positioning, media release copywriting
Morph developed a media release that combined strong historical storytelling with practical visitor information. The copy:
Highlighted the castle’s 15th‑century origins and links to Sir Roger Fiennes and the Wars of the Roses, to create an atmospheric narrative backdrop.
Clearly set out the weekend’s key features – reenactments, combat displays, crafts and family activities – alongside essential ticketing, timing and access details.
Addressed member and visitor questions up‑front by explaining why the event carried a separate ticket and why the castle interior would remain closed, while reinforcing the quality of the external experience and grounds.
Quotes from Queen’s University/Bader College and Martlet Productions were used to underline authenticity, academic context and entertainment value.
Standfirst:
This May Bank Holiday, Herstmonceux Castle Estate invites visitors to journey through time at its Medieval Heritage Weekend, a three‑day celebration of the castle’s 15th‑century origins and the return of medieval pageantry to the grounds.
Media release:
For immediate release
Date: 4 March 2025
This May Bank Holiday, Herstmonceux Castle Estate invites visitors to journey through time at its Medieval Heritage Weekend, a three‑day celebration of the castle’s 15th‑century origins — and the return of medieval pageantry to the grounds following popular demand.
Taking place from Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th May, the event brings history to life across the castle estate with authentic reenactments, thrilling combat displays, traditional crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Built in 1441 by Sir Roger Fiennes—a veteran of the Battle of Agincourt who served as Treasurer of the Household to Henry VI—Herstmonceux Castle provides an atmospheric backdrop for this immersive historical experience. Across the weekend, visitors will witness thrilling daily skirmishes inspired by a real historical conflict—a dramatic confrontation between Lady Joan, Baroness Dacre, and her Lancastrian brother, Lord Humphrey Dacre, who marched on the castle in 1471.
The weekend follows a cherished local tradition. Medieval events have long been held at the castle, and their absence has been felt. “Following a period of important restoration work, we are happy that medieval celebration is returning—delivered by a new organisation and in response to popular demand,“ says Dr. Matthew Evans, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) at Queen’s University, which owns the Estate.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can expect:
Authentic reenactment: Skilled reenactors in period costume will populate the grounds, demonstrating daily medieval life alongside knightly combat.
Combat demonstrations: Witness the clash of sword and shield in thrilling staged displays.
Artisan crafts: See traditional medieval trades and techniques brought to life by expert craftspeople.
Family entertainment: Activities designed to captivate visitors of all ages.
“We’re bringing the drama of the Wars of the Roses to life in the very grounds where it all unfolded,” said Jake Brooks of Martlet Productions, an external specialist provider. “Visitors can expect thrilling combat displays, medieval archery, authentic reenactment, and a daily skirmish that tells the real story of Lady Joan, Baroness Dacre, and her embittered Lancastrian brother. It’s history, but it’s also edge-of-your-seat entertainment—perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who loves a good story.”
Event details:
Dates: Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May
Times: 10.00am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm)
Tickets: £21 adults, £10 children (under 4s free)
Tickets available via the castle website:Â https://herstmonceux-castle.com/events/
The event is organised by an external specialist provider to ensure an authentic, high-quality experience. While the castle’s annual members enjoy free year-round access to the estate, this special event requires a separate ticket—a standard approach for feature events of this scale. The team has worked hard to ensure ticket prices remain highly competitive for the quality of experience on offer.
Visitors should note that while the grounds and gardens will be fully open for the event, the castle interior itself will not be accessible on this occasion. This is due to the building’s primary role as home to Bader College, which is currently being prepared for the new academic intake beginning in early May. The college’s academic schedule means the building is closed to visitors on the Bank Holiday weekend, though the stunning exterior and wider estate provide the perfect setting for this historical celebration.
— ENDS —
Notes to editors:
For more information visit the Herstmonceux Castle Estate website https://herstmonceux-castle.com or contact:
Herstmonceux Castle Estate Marketing and Communications:
Jamie O’Reilly
Email:Â bc.info@queensu.com
Herstmonceux Castle was built in 1441 by Sir Roger Fiennes, a veteran of the Battle of Agincourt (1415).
The castle is home to Bader College, part of Queen’s University, Canada.
Medieval events have previously been held at the castle over many years; this weekend marks their return following restoration work.
Event organised by external specialist provider Martlet Productions.
Castle interior remains closed due to academic preparations.
Media contact:
Jamie O’Reilly – bc.info@queensu.ca
Featured in regional daily The Argus, reaching readers across Brighton and Sussex.
Covered by the Sussex Express, helping to promote the event to local families, history enthusiasts and visitors planning days out in the county.
Media coverage included regional titles The Argus and Sussex Express, supporting ticket sales and raising awareness of the Medieval Heritage Weekend.