This August will mark the 800th anniversary of the Great Siege of Bedford Castle – a siege that began on 20 August 1224, lasted eight weeks, involved an army of over 2,500 soldiers and eventually led to the Castle’s destruction.
To commemorate this unique event in Bedford’s history, a specially commissioned play with music and songs will be staged over four performances on the August bank holiday weekend (Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August).
The performances will take place on the Castle Mound, the very site where the Castle was destroyed by the 16-year-old King Henry III, 800 years ago.
This new theatrical adaptation will tell the stories of the main players who lived in the Castle and lost it to the young King. It has been made possible thanks to Bedford Borough Council’s Town Centre Fund.
With the whole of Europe watching, Henry marched on Bedford in 1224 with 2,700 soldiers to bring down Falkes de Breaute, the ‘Robber Baron’ of Bedford.
At the end of the eight-week siege, Henry ordered the destruction of the Castle. Think of Bedford’s version of ‘Les Miserables’ and an explanation as to why we have a mound with no Castle.
Be a part of Bedford’s history
The Great Siege is a community production in association with Bedford Theatre Trust and there is still time to get involved.
The team is looking for people to take part as the townsfolk at the Siege or for back-stage roles helping with costumes and props. No experience is necessary.
To be part of this chapter of Bedford’s history you can email thegreatsiege1224@gmail.com or for more information and to keep up to date on their Facebook page: The Great Siege of 1224
Rob Parker, the playwright said: “This project has been close to my heart for over 40 years.
“I grew up hearing stories of Bedford Castle and, like a lot of Bedford children, played on the castle mound wondering what had happened there. I think it’s time that story was told and 800 years, almost to the day, will be a great time to tell it”.
Entry to see The Great Siege is free but it is ticket-only. Details of how to book will be released in July.
