CANNONS and gunfire will be sounding at Basing House this weekend with an exploration of Tudor and Civil War-themed living history.

Basing House, dating back to the Norman period, was the site of the largest private house in Tudor and Stuart England and recreations of battles between the Parliamentarians and Royalists will be performed by members of the English Civil War Society on Saturday, 30 September and Sunday, 1 October.

The re-enactors will also share the more of the everyday aspects of Tudor life and there will also be Tudor-costumed individuals visitors can meet around the site during the weekend.

Families can also try traditional Tudor outdoor games or have a go at Hobby Horse jousting.

Visitors will also be given the chance to dress in Tudor costumes, and even take a selfie in a Tudor-style frame.

In addition, there will be tours of Basing House plus half-hour tours from 3-5pm of nearby St Mary’s Church, which is inextricably linked with Basing House as it was severely damaged by Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces as they besieged Basing House.

Organisers have advised enactments can get loud, so are advising that young children, dogs and visitors with sensitivity to loud noises should not attend if they are likely to become frightened or distressed by these noises.

Normal Basing House admission prices apply.

There is a free car park off Barton’s Lane, Old Basing, RG24 8AE.

For more information, call 01256 463965 or visit their website.