THE Battle of Mortimer's Cross will be brought to life at a National Trust property near Leominster this weekend.

Families who are visiting Croft Castle can experience a living history weekend full of gunpowder, battles, archery and sword-fights, bringing to life one of the most significant battles of the Wars of the Roses. Hundreds of medieval demonstrators will be setting up camp at Croft for the weekend, depicting civilian and soldier life with crafts, cooking, period costume, weaponry, dancing and music displays.

Visitors can browse through medieval stalls and see the Yorkist and Lancastrian armies battling it out on the front meadow.

Saturday, September 9 is heritage open day, which means Croft is free to explore for all visitors. Normal admission charges apply on Sunday 10.