RICHARD III was brought back to life for history enthusiasts at the weekend (July 3 to 5) as a town held a weekend of activities inspired by the monarch.

The Northern Dales Richard III Group joined forces with Barnard Castle Town Council and The Bowes Museum to host the medieval weekend in honour of the monarch who was Lord of Barnard Castle from 1474 until his death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

Activities, supported by the council and the County Durham Members’ Initiative Fund, kicked off at the museum on Friday (July 3) as Professor Lyn Foxhall, from the University of Leicester, held a talk about the discovery of the monarch’s burial site and the examination of his remains.

On Saturday, the event became a celebration of all things medieval and of King Richard’s time at Barnard Castle as actors from the Time Will Tell Theatre, Time Bandits historical interpreters and musicians Caliban’s Dream entertained visitors to the Scar Top under Richard’s standard.

A medieval-style banquet with ‘King Richard and Queen Anne’ as guests of honour also took place that evening with everything from a hog roast to comfits of peppermint, marzipan and shortbread being served.

Guests had travelled from as far as London to attend the event which came to an end on Sunday (July 5) with a Commemorative Evensong at St. Mary’s Church to mark Richard’s coronation on July 6, 1483.

Organiser, Iris Hillery, said: “It was great to host the events in St. Mary’s, both the banquet and service were well attended and the music at the banquet and the commemorative service was a delight in itself with delicious food as well!”