Autumn is here with a breath of relief, and also a breath of fresh air after all that extraordinary heat. Now it is time to be mellow and enjoy the fruitfulness of the season. Our hedges are blazing with ripe blackberries and sloe berries bouncing against the blue skies. It is lovely with golden sunsets and the walls of the Castle looking dream-like.
After 23 years I am not bored with her extraordinary beauty and the century upon century she represents, along with all the people who lived within these walls. Visitors who have been many times over the years say the same, and many have turned into wedding couples so they can stay in our history forever, part of the fortress.
This month we have a talk and supper followed by a talk by Mary Queen of Scots on the 28th September and on 30th September our exciting new chef is offering a 6 course taster menu evening,accompanied by suitable wines served in our glamorous Great Hall at £75.00 a head. Nathan Wilson has worked in South America, Russia and many other countries earning a reputation to be proud of. We are certainly delighted to have him join us and give our guests a chance to try some extraordinary cooking from a great chef. To find out about the menu and for more information including dietary needs, contact us at bookings@lesleysmithhistorians.co.uk.
There are other private events during September, including a number of private dinner parties, but the Castle remains open from Thursday to Sunday between 11.00 and 4.00pm for last admission until the beginning of October. The schools are coming back to see and hear about the Tudors whilst other are booking Vikings and Anglo-Saxon educational days. We also offer a creative writing day which we have run for “Gifted and Talented” for many years.
Next month, which is the spooky month of the year, you will see advertised ghost hunts and my new character Mary Jane Kelly who was Jack the Ripper’s last victim in 1888. I have been staggered how quickly the evenings so far have sold out but it is an intriguing mystery, still unsolved. We have having lots of calls for another date for this which will be advertised shortly. My Witch of Manningtree, another horrific character from the mid-seventeenth century is also on offer on 26th October. There is no meal with this just mulled wine which keeps the cost down to £14.00 a head. Be warned that Mary Jane Kelly and the Witch both contain some quite frightening narrative – but you knew that!
Yes, our now famous Viking and Bonfire Nights are going ahead on the 4th and 5th November (Fridays and Saturday). If you are local do get them now online, rather than arrive and be disappointed. We really don’t like turning people away but we do sell out for this event each year. Lots to eat and drink, hot and cold and lots of Vikings to admire (well some of them anyway). There will be a bar in the marquee. Entrance fee is £10.00 for adults and concessions £8.00 which is less than a portion of fish and chips in most chip shops these days. Those reading this letter from abroad – it is a serious business fish & chips in Britain!
Boudicca is appearing here on 2nd November which will be good news for some, as she doesn’t appear very often. Talk first and wine and nibbles afterwards £14.00. We have decided that after seeing Her Majesty you will need a drink. Why am I doomed this Autumn to play some of the most frightening women in history!?
Despite the scary elements, I would like to wish you all a happy autumn, which I hope is soft and warm for all.
Best wishes
Lesley Smith
CURATOR