Turning Beck the clock at historic castle

Published on Tuesday 24 May 2005 12:01

HISTORY lovers are invited to experience a taste of what life was like in the 13th century at Dirleton Castle.

A weekend festival at the East Lothian castle will give visitors an insight into life during the days of the Wars of Independence.

In 1298, Dirleton Castle was targeted by English forces, led by Bishop Anthony Beck, seeking revenge for their humiliating defeat by the Scots at Stirling Bridge the year before.

A live reenactment of the moment when messengers from the bishop of Durham demanded that the de Vaux family surrender the castle will be shown at the event, on June 2 and 3.

Visitors will also be able to watch cooks prepare medieval dishes, dyers create colourful fabrics, craftsmen work with a pole lathe and soldiers practice their weapons skills in true 13th century style.

Nick Finnigan of Historic Scotland said: "It will make a superb day out, with plenty to interest and entertain the whole family.

"Visitors can see how people dressed, the food they ate and the kind of work they did."

Ian Neilson of the Historic Saltire Society, which is staging the weekend, said: "Bishop Beck was notorious among the Scots for giving no quarter. For de Vaux to stand against him was a courageous decision."