Castle Park Heritage Day

Joining us for the Heritage Day will be Oxford Archaeology who will present a display of artefacts and the latest findings from the excavations they undertook ahead of the development of the new Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre in Bishop's Stortford. 

The excavations, located on either side of Roman Stane Street, uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved Roman settlement with a vast array of finds. The site featured in the tenth series of BBC's flagship TV programme, Digging for Britain earlier this year. This is a chance to come and see the finds, meet the archaeologists and learn more about Roman Bishop's Stortford.

The Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) will be running tours of the Castle Mound at 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm, giving talks and sharing finds. 
Visitors can also follow our Heritage Trail to discover the history of Waytemore Castle, built after the Norman Invasion - and King John subsequently demolishing it; how the park and Sworders Field were created; how the River Stort was rerouted and how the park has evolved over centuries into a space for all the community to enjoy.

We’re bringing back the hugely popular medieval-themed have-a-go archery and axe throwing from On Targett Events again. These activities are free of charge and available to everyone aged eight years old and over. Topping off the fantastic array of historical-themed activities on offer is a falconry display from Coda Falconry. Displays will take place at 1pm and 3pm. The Coda team will also be on hand throughout the day to chat about these incredible birds and answer any questions you may have.

We’ll be joined by Bishop’s Stortford History Society, the Royal British Legion, and Hertfordshire Health Walks.  The new community space Markwell Studio will be open to display information about the Castle Park redevelopment project and how it has developed over the past five years.
To find out more about the event please visit the Friends of Castle Park website www.friendsofcastlepark.net/events or search for Friends of Castle Park on Facebook and Instagram.