King John's life and times revisited at Newark Castle

The life and times of King John will be revisited in the grounds of Newark Castle at the weekend.

The event, organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council, is the start of commemorations at the castle to mark the death of King John almost 800 years ago.

The king died, aged 49, in the private chapel room on October 18, 1216, five days after part of his baggage train was lost while crossing The Wash in Lincolnshire.

He had fallen ill fighting against rebel barons at Swineshead.

The weekend will also mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.

The document aimed to make peace between King John and rebel barons, who were exasperated at what they regarded as his arbitrary rule and high taxes.

The document outlined basic rights based on the principle that no one was above the law, including the king. Lincoln Cathedral has one of the four remaining copies.

Re-enactment society Regia Anglorum will recreate English life from the time of Richard the Lionheart and his brother, King John, with a camp at which they will present living history displays.

Society member Mr Kim Siddorn said their warriors would be involved in combat with military displays in the mornings and battles in the afternoons.

“King John’s men will meet his barons and men at arms in confrontation at the castle,” said Mr Siddorn. “Military might from the 13th Century will fill the air with shouts and the crash of weapon on shield.”

Other activities will include food preparation, shoemaking, leatherwork, metalwork and woodwork. The camp will be open from 10am until 4pm on both days.

Mr Siddorn said: “Regia members will be on site over the whole weekend, bringing to life sights, sounds and smells that would have been commonplace in the time of King John.”

Newark Castle warden Floss Newman said: “I know the King John event will go down as another historic chapter in our town’s history.”

The group will return next year for a three-day display over the bank holiday weekend of May 28-30, which will involve a bigger living history camp with up to 30 tents and about 80 costumed enthusiasts.