Summer events at Craigmillar Castle bring the past to life
6 July, 2012-
Craigmillar Castle © CROWN COPYRIGHT REPRODUCED COURTESY OF HISTORIC SCOTLAND-www.historicscotlandimages.gov.uk
The rich history of Craigmillar Castle is being brought to life this summer with a series of special performance events.
Visitors to the Castle will be able to interact with characters in period costume to discover more about life during the time its most famous guest, Mary Queen of Scots.
The first performance is called Courtly Games & Intrigues at the Court of Mary Queen of Scots, and takes place on Wednesday July 11 (with a further slot on Wednesday August 5). It features a character called Agnes the alewife, who shares castle gossip, and describes the kind of preparations made for the Queen's visits, including the kinds of food cooked and eaten.
Darnley Must Die, on Wednesday July 18, features the Scottish historian and children's author Allan Burnett. Playing a court insider, he'll supply some of the background to the political intrigue surrounding the infamous Craigmillar Bond, the plot hatched by Scottish nobleman to murder the Queen's husband Lord Darnley.
On Saturday August 19, there's also an event featuring a bird of prey expert in the guise of the royal court's falconer. Falconry was a favourite sport of nobility, and the land around the Castle - including Hawkhill wood - was a prime spot. Visitors on the day can get up close to birds and discover why falconry was so popular.
All events are included in the normal admission price (£3-£5) and run from 11am to 3pm each day. Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance through the Historic Scotland website.
Picture © CROWN COPYRIGHT REPRODUCED COURTESY OF HISTORIC SCOTLAND-www.historicscotlandimages.gov.uk
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