This video is a record of a unique living history event magnificently staged to mark the 360th anniversary of the Siege of Bolingbroke Castle in 1643.

Featuring more than 250 members of the English Civil War Society, a Royalist encampment was set up inside the castle, while the Parliamentarians made their base in a nearby field. The opposing armies clashed in the Rout Yard outside the castle walls and cavalry, musketeers and pike men fought for control of the castle.

Bolingbroke Castle, a prime example of the 13th castle architecture and now a historic ruin, reverberated to the sound of canon fire, muskets and the battle cries of the re-enactors who bought the site dramatically alive.

The living history encampment inside the castle added to the very special atmosphere. Visitors, including local school children, were challenged at the gate by Royalist soldiers who asked if they supported King or Parliament and the barber surgeon demonstrated his craft with tales of bloodletting, surgery and amputations. Other activities included tasting 17th century cuisine, taking part in a pike drill, learning how to load a musket and watching the castle blacksmith at work.

Another display was staged at Winceby, where the battle had taken place on the 11th October 1643 and wreaths were laid there in remembrance of the soldiers who had fought and died in the English Civil War.