Arundel Castle is celebrating the beginning of its 2008 visitor season by returning to its Norman roots.

Experienced re-enactment group Raven Tor will be bringing to life the era of 1066-1200, when the castle's construction was begun.

There will be a tented encampment in the renovated Victorian gardens and costumed characters will perform everyday tasks of the period, including cooking, sewing and weapon-making.

Demonstrations of mounted combat and weaponry skills will be held, with visitors welcome try their hand at archery, and a storyteller will recite tales from the time of William the Conqueror.

Raven Tor founder and group co-ordinator Paul Ullson, who promotes history as a living subject to schoolchildren, says: "Raven Tor are experts in many re-enactment fields and the end of the Norman period, when Arundel was still a relatively new castle, is a lesser known period in history for many people. Castle visitors will be able to talk to our members, who will answer questions in character."

All events are included in the general admission cost.

Arundel Castle is the longest inhabited country house in England, with the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors having lived there for more than 900 years. The building houses an exceptional collection art, furnishings and armour.

Home-made lunches, tea and cakes will be on offer in the licensed restaurant.

  • 10am-5pm, last entry is 4pm. Adults £13, seniors £10.50, children £7.50. Family ticket £34 (two adults and up to three children). Call 01903 882173 or visit www.arundelcastle.org