insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 01 - March 2015 | Page 61

coverstory
Armed with a map and an ‘echo horn’, Kate guides you through
the castle, where echoes of life in 1385 lead you to draw your own
conclusions of who holds murderous intentions for Sir Edward. Drawing
on historically real and imagined characters, A Knight’s Peril offers a
glimpse into medieval life with all its sounds and social scheming, set
inside real 14th-century walls.

© National Trust / Amanda Barden

Stories of our Ancestors
In-keeping with the history of colourful characters at Bodiam Castle,
medieval characters roam the ruins on a daily basis. In authentic
medieval costume they tell tales of the castle, how the household ran and
host regularly changing demonstrations throughout the year – including
everything from baking bread and minding your medieval manners to
traditional masonry techniques which would have been used to build and
repair the stonework.
Keen to tell intriguing and sometimes grizzly tales of medieval life, they
provide a fascinating glimpse into the 14th-century mindset. Brave
visitors can also join in the story too, acting as anything from spit boys or
gong scourers who had the lovely job of clearing the castle’s 28 toilets.

© National Trust / Roger Bloxham

A Knight’s Peril
Newly introduced in 2014, A Knight’s Peril is an interactive audio
adventure designed for all the family. Visitors can take the challenge to
follow their guide, Kate, a fictitious daughter of Sir Edward, to uncover a
medieval murder plot unfolding within the castle walls.

© National Trust / William Shaw

Tea, cake and shopping
No visit to a National Trust property would be complete without a visit to
the tearoom for a slice of cake or one of its scrumptious scones.
Bodiam Castle is no exception and Marilyn’s Victoria sponge is worth a
visit in itself.
The castle gift shop is also stocked with souvenirs, hamper items and
knights and princess memorabilia for the little ones.

© National Trust / Heather Packham

61