In 1471, England was in turmoil. King Henry VI had been declared insane and locked in the Tower of London some years earlier, leaving the country without a strong leader. Henry's son, the obvious choice of successor, was deemed too young to rule in his father's place and arguments soon broke out over who should take over the throne. The Houses of Lancaster and York - two rival branches of the royal family - each made their claim, but the arguments over lineage and dynasty quickly descended into a series of civil wars that we have come to know as the War of the Roses after the emblematic symbols of the rival factions. Edward, Earl of March, the House of York's oldest son,  Read the complete review

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is an event staged once a year by the Companions of the Black Bear who are based in Tewkesbury. It is held in mid July, over a weekend, on the Gupshill Fields, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, this year(2001) it is taking place on the 14th and 15th and is open to the public from 11am until 6pm both days. The sight of the event from the Gloucester Road with all the colourful tents and clothing of the re-enactors is something to behold. The Battle of Tewkesbury is re-enacted on the Saturday and Sunday afternoons usually at about 3 or 4pm.Over 1000 soldiers take part in the battle many of whom wear full armour (not very easy on a very hot ...  Read the complete review